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AU2015334593B2 - System and method for real-time customization and synchoronization of media content - Google Patents

System and method for real-time customization and synchoronization of media content Download PDF

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Publication number
AU2015334593B2
AU2015334593B2 AU2015334593A AU2015334593A AU2015334593B2 AU 2015334593 B2 AU2015334593 B2 AU 2015334593B2 AU 2015334593 A AU2015334593 A AU 2015334593A AU 2015334593 A AU2015334593 A AU 2015334593A AU 2015334593 B2 AU2015334593 B2 AU 2015334593B2
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server
client
media content
user
customized
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AU2015334593A1 (en
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Julio FERRER
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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/43—Processing of content or additional data, e.g. demultiplexing additional data from a digital video stream; Elementary client operations, e.g. monitoring of home network or synchronising decoder's clock; Client middleware
    • H04N21/4302—Content synchronisation processes, e.g. decoder synchronisation
    • H04N21/4307—Synchronising the rendering of multiple content streams or additional data on devices, e.g. synchronisation of audio on a mobile phone with the video output on the TV screen
    • H04N21/43076—Synchronising the rendering of multiple content streams or additional data on devices, e.g. synchronisation of audio on a mobile phone with the video output on the TV screen of the same content streams on multiple devices, e.g. when family members are watching the same movie on different devices
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L65/00—Network arrangements, protocols or services for supporting real-time applications in data packet communication
    • H04L65/60—Network streaming of media packets
    • H04L65/61—Network streaming of media packets for supporting one-way streaming services, e.g. Internet radio
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L65/00—Network arrangements, protocols or services for supporting real-time applications in data packet communication
    • H04L65/60—Network streaming of media packets
    • H04L65/75—Media network packet handling
    • H04L65/756—Media network packet handling adapting media to device capabilities
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L67/00—Network arrangements or protocols for supporting network services or applications
    • H04L67/01—Protocols
    • H04L67/10—Protocols in which an application is distributed across nodes in the network
    • H04L67/1095—Replication or mirroring of data, e.g. scheduling or transport for data synchronisation between network nodes
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/20—Servers specifically adapted for the distribution of content, e.g. VOD servers; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/25—Management operations performed by the server for facilitating the content distribution or administrating data related to end-users or client devices, e.g. end-user or client device authentication, learning user preferences for recommending movies
    • H04N21/258—Client or end-user data management, e.g. managing client capabilities, user preferences or demographics, processing of multiple end-users preferences to derive collaborative data
    • H04N21/25866—Management of end-user data
    • H04N21/25891—Management of end-user data being end-user preferences
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/20—Servers specifically adapted for the distribution of content, e.g. VOD servers; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/25—Management operations performed by the server for facilitating the content distribution or administrating data related to end-users or client devices, e.g. end-user or client device authentication, learning user preferences for recommending movies
    • H04N21/266—Channel or content management, e.g. generation and management of keys and entitlement messages in a conditional access system, merging a VOD unicast channel into a multicast channel
    • H04N21/2668—Creating a channel for a dedicated end-user group, e.g. insertion of targeted commercials based on end-user profiles
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/41—Structure of client; Structure of client peripherals
    • H04N21/4104—Peripherals receiving signals from specially adapted client devices
    • H04N21/4122—Peripherals receiving signals from specially adapted client devices additional display device, e.g. video projector
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/41—Structure of client; Structure of client peripherals
    • H04N21/4104—Peripherals receiving signals from specially adapted client devices
    • H04N21/4126—The peripheral being portable, e.g. PDAs or mobile phones
    • H04N21/41265—The peripheral being portable, e.g. PDAs or mobile phones having a remote control device for bidirectional communication between the remote control device and client device
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/41—Structure of client; Structure of client peripherals
    • H04N21/414—Specialised client platforms, e.g. receiver in car or embedded in a mobile appliance
    • H04N21/41415—Specialised client platforms, e.g. receiver in car or embedded in a mobile appliance involving a public display, viewable by several users in a public space outside their home, e.g. movie theatre, information kiosk
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/43—Processing of content or additional data, e.g. demultiplexing additional data from a digital video stream; Elementary client operations, e.g. monitoring of home network or synchronising decoder's clock; Client middleware
    • H04N21/4302—Content synchronisation processes, e.g. decoder synchronisation
    • H04N21/4305—Synchronising client clock from received content stream, e.g. locking decoder clock with encoder clock, extraction of the PCR packets
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/45—Management operations performed by the client for facilitating the reception of or the interaction with the content or administrating data related to the end-user or to the client device itself, e.g. learning user preferences for recommending movies, resolving scheduling conflicts
    • H04N21/4508—Management of client data or end-user data
    • H04N21/4532—Management of client data or end-user data involving end-user characteristics, e.g. viewer profile, preferences
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/47—End-user applications
    • H04N21/475—End-user interface for inputting end-user data, e.g. personal identification number [PIN], preference data
    • H04N21/4756—End-user interface for inputting end-user data, e.g. personal identification number [PIN], preference data for rating content, e.g. scoring a recommended movie
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/47—End-user applications
    • H04N21/478—Supplemental services, e.g. displaying phone caller identification, shopping application
    • H04N21/4788—Supplemental services, e.g. displaying phone caller identification, shopping application communicating with other users, e.g. chatting

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Multimedia (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • Databases & Information Systems (AREA)
  • Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
  • Computer Graphics (AREA)
  • Human Computer Interaction (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Information Transfer Between Computers (AREA)

Abstract

A method for customizing media content includes: receiving over a network from a client device controlled by a user, by a server-side computing device, a message or packet comprising stock media content received from a user, the message or packet further comprising customization preferences of the user obtained by the client-side customization application, the customized media content to be played by a client-side playback device in coordination with server-side playback of the stock media content by a server-side playback device; customizing the stock media content, by the server-side computing device, using the customization preferences of the user, so as to create customized media content; and streaming live over the network, by the server-side computing device, to the client device, the customized media content for playback by the client device that is substantially synchronized with playback by the server-side computing device of the stock media content.

Description

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR REAL-TIME CUSTOMIZATION AND SYNCHRONIZATION OF MEDIA CONTENT PRIORITY CLAIM
[001] The present application claims the priority benefit of U.S. provisional
patent application number 62,036,834 filed August 13, 2014 and entitled
"Computer-Readable Medium, System and Method for Real-Time Customization
and Synchronization of Media Content," the disclosure of which is incorporated
herein by reference.
[002] This invention relates to a method and system for the customization
via one or more electronic devices of one or more of media content. Particularly,
the invention relates to a method and system for customization and
synchronization via one or more electronic devices of media content. More
particularly, the invention relates to a method and system for the customization
and synchronization via one or more electronic devices of one or more of oneor
more of audio and video content. More particularly, the invention relates to a
medium, method and system for real-time customization via one or more
electronic devices of one or more of synchronized audio and synchronized video
content. Even more particularly, the invention relates to a medium, method and
system for real-time customization via one or more electronic devices of one or
more of synchronized audio and synchronized video content within and around
one or more of a venue, public, office, school and home environment.
Specifically, the invention relates to a medium, method and system for real-time customization via one or more electronic devices of one or more of synchronized audio and synchronized video content within and around one or more of a venue, public, office and home environment over a communications network. The invention provides four different alternative methods, to which we respectively refer in shorthand as the baseline, download, streaming, and live methods.
[003] According to embodiments of the invention, a platform is provided for
the synchronization of one or more of audio content, video content, and other
data during playback of content. For example, the content may be digital
content. For example, the content may be another type of content other than
digital content. For example, the content may be accessed by a user using a
client device. For example, the content may be accessed by the user over a
network. For example, the audio content may comprise one or more of
customized audio content and alternative audio content. For example, the video
content may comprise one or more of customized video content, customized
video content and alternative video content.
[004] In particular, according to further embodiments of the invention, the
one or more of audio content, video content, and other data synchronizes with
on-screen video. For example, the on-screen video may be projected using one
or more of a digital projector, hologram projector, computer, television, console,
head-set, another projection device, and another reception device. The
synchronization is performed by one or more of a computer algorithm, clock and
sensor. Alternatively, or additionally, the system receives synchronization input
from one or more of the user and a designer.
[005] According to further embodiments of the invention, a contained
communication with the audience within the venue also can be monitored (i.e.
expanded, edited or deleted) by an employee or contractor of the venue.
Alternative embodiments of the invention address home media viewing. Also,
the client-side social networking application tracks every user and knows each
user's specific location in the venue. Also, according to yet other embodiments
of the invention, the walled environment may include multiple venues within
different locations and/or time zones viewing the same media content
simultaneously, maybe even synchronously. Also, the client-side social
networking application can allow for the creation of private chat rooms.
[006] According to further embodiments of the invention, media content may
be customized, including a children's customization system. According to yet
other embodiments of the invention, media content can be saved, including
children's media content. A user may choose one or more of a language of
interest, a commentary track of interest, a commercial of interest, a trailer of
interest, a demo of interest, and alternative content of interest. The user may
choose to participate in a survey. These features are available in one or more of
in venue settings, on demand settings, in-synchronization ("in-sync") settings,
and in other settings. These features are available on multiple platforms and
devices.
[007] According to other embodiments of the invention, a method for real
time customization and synchronization of stock media content includes:
receiving, by a client device controlled by a user, stock media content selected by the user to be customized and played on the client device in coordination with server-side playback of the stock media content by a server-side computing device; obtaining, by the client device, customization preferences of the user; customizing the stock media content, by the client device, using the customization preferences, so as to create customized media content; creating, by the client device, a client-side message or packet comprising one or more of a client-side unique identifier and a client-side start host time (CSHT); sending, by the client device, the client-side message or packet to the server-side computing device; receiving and processing a server-side message or packet comprising g one or more of a server-side unique identifier, the CSHT, a server-side start host time (SSHT), a server-side end host time (SEHT), and a server-side running media play time (SRMPT) and substantially synchronizing in real-time, by the client device, using one or more of the server-side unique identifier, the CSHT, the SSHT, the SEHT, and the SRMPT, client-side playback of the customized media content with server-side playback of the stock media content; and playing back, by the client device, the synchronized customized media content.
[008] According to still further embodiments of the invention, a method for
customizing media content pursuant to a method for real-time customization and
synchronization of stock media content includes: receiving and processing, by a
server-side computing device, from a client device controlled by a user, a client
side message or packet from the client device comprising one or more of a client
side unique identifier, and a client-side start host time (CSHT); creating, by the
server-side computing device, a server-side message or packet comprising one or more of a server-side unique identifier comprising a copy of the client-side unique identifier, the CSHT, a server-side start host time (SSHT), a server-side end host time (SEHT), and a server-side running media play time (SRMPT); transmitting the server-side message or packet to the client device, by the server-side computing device, to be used by the client device along with previously received stock media content selected by a user to be customized, and customized media content previously created using customization preferences obtained from a user, to substantially synchronize in real-time, using the CSHT, client-side playback of the customized media content with server-side playback of the stock media content; and playing back, by the server-side computing device, the synchronized stock media content.
[009] According to other embodiments of the invention, a method for
customizing media content pursuant to a method for real-time customization and
synchronization of stock media content includes: receiving over a network from a
client device controlled by a user, by a server-side computing device, a message
or packet comprising stock media content received from a user, the message or
packet further comprising customization preferences of the user obtained by the
client-side customization application, the customized media content to be played
by a client-side playback device in coordination with server-side playback of the
stock media content by a server-side playback device; customizing the stock
media content, by the server-side computing device, using the customization
preferences of the user, so as to create customized media content; transmitting,
by the server-side computing device, to the client device, the customized media content so that the client device may substantially synchronize with its playback of the customized media content a playback of the stock media content by the server-side computing device; receiving, by the server-side computing device, from the client device, a client-side message or packet comprising one or more of a client-side unique identifier and a client-side start host time (CSHT); sending to the client device, by the server-side computing device, a server-side message or packet comprising one or more of a server-side unique identifier, the CSHT, a server-side start host time (SSHT), a server-side end host time (SEHT), and a server-side running media play time (SRMPT); and initiating, by the server-side computing device, server-side playback of the stock media content and initiating, by the server-side computing device, via a play command the server-side computing device sends to the client device, client-side playback of the customized media content that is substantially synchronized using one or more of the client-side unique identifier, the CSHT, the SSHT, the SEHT, and the
SRMPT.
[0010] According to embodiments of the invention, a method for receiving
and processing a server-side message or packet and synchronizing one or more
clocks comprised in a client device under a user's control with one or more
server-side clocks pursuant to a method for real-time customization and
synchronization of stock media content includes: receiving, by the client device, a
server-side message or packet from the server-side master application, the
server-side message or packet comprising one or more of a unique identifier, a
client-side start host time (CSHT), a server-side start host time (SSHT), a server- side end host time (SEHT), and a server-side running media play time (SRMPT); reading, by the client device, the server-side message or packet into one or more client-side buffers; recording, by the client device, a client-side end host time
(CEHT); evaluating and verifying, by the client device, integrity of the server-side
message or packet by comparing the CEHT and the SEHT; calculating a half
round-trip time (HRT), by the client device, using one or more of the CEHT,
CSHT, SEHT, and SSHT; reading, by the client device a value of the SRMPT;
calculating, by the client device, using one or more of CEHT, CSHT, SEHT,
SSHT, SRMPT, and HRT, a playback offset time Tpo; computing, by the client
device, using one or more of the Tpo and the SRMPT, a client-side running
media play time (CRMPT); and substantially synchronizing, by the client device,
using one or more of the CRMPT and the Tpo, client-side playback of customized
media content to server-side playback of stock media content.
[0011] According to other embodiments of the invention, a method for
customizing media content pursuant to a method for real-time customization and
synchronization of stock media content includes: receiving over a network from a
client device controlled by a user, by a server-side computing device, a message
or packet comprising stock media content received from a user, the message or
packet further comprising customization preferences of the user obtained by the
client-side customization application, the customized media content to be played
by a client-side playback device in coordination with server-side playback of the
stock media content by a server-side playback device; customizing the stock
media content, by the server-side computing device, using the customization preferences of the user, so as to create customized media content; and streaming live over the network, by the server-side computing device, to the client device, the customized media content for playback by the client device that is substantially synchronized with playback by the server-side computing device of the stock media content.
[0012] According to still further embodiments of the invention, a method for
customizing stock media content pursuant to a method for real-time
customization and synchronization of stock media content, so as to create
customized media content includes: receiving, by a server-side computing
device, from a client device under the control of a user, a client-side message or
packet with pre-determined media content; creating, by the server-side
computing device, a customized media content; adding, by the server-side
computing device, to the customized media content, using a pre-defined data
structure, new media content comprising one or more of user-selected new
media content and non-user-selected new media content; computing, by the
server-side computing device, a total media frames count of the customized
media content; computing, by the server-side computing device, a total
percentage of the then-written customized media content; and writing, by the
server-side computing device, the new media content into the customized media
content.
[0013] According to embodiments of the invention, a method for receiving
and processing a server-side message or packet and synchronizing one or more
clocks comprised in a client device under a user's control with one or more server-side clocks pursuant to a method for real-time customization and synchronization of stock media content includes: receiving, by the client device, a server-side message or packet from the server-side master application, the server-side message or packet comprising one or more of a unique identifier, a client-side start host time (CSHT), a server-side start host time (SSHT), a server side end host time (SEHT), and a server-side running media play time (SRMPT); reading, by the client device, the server-side message or packet into one or more client-side buffers; recording, by the client device, a client-side end host time
(CEHT); evaluating and verifying, by the client device, integrity of the server-side
message or packet by comparing the CEHT and the SEHT; calculating a half
round-trip time (HRT), by the client device, using one or more of the CEHT,
CSHT, SEHT, and SSHT; reading, by the client device a value of the SRMPT;
calculating, by the client device, using one or more of CEHT, CSHT, SEHT,
SSHT, SRMPT, and HRT, a playback offset time Tpo; computing, by the client
device, using one or more of the Tpo and the SRMPT, a client-side running
media play time (CRMPT); and synchronizing, by the client device, using one or
more of the CRMPT and the Tpo, client-side playback of customized media
content to server-side playback of stock media content.
[0014] According to other embodiments of the invention, a method for
constructing a media content file comprising one or more of a user's selected
media content and media content that was not selected by the user, pursuant to
a method for real-time customization and synchronization of stock media content
includes: launching, by a client device under the control of a user, a client-side media player; selecting and playing, by the client device, a pre-determined media content; creating, by the client device, a customized media content; adding, by the client device, new media content to the customized media content; computing, by the client device, a total media frames count of the customized media content; computes, by the client device, a total percentage of the then written customized media content; and writing, by the client device, the new media content into the customized media content.
[0015] According to yet further embodiments of the invention, a server-side
computing device for customizing media content includes: a processor; data
storage operably connected with the processor; memory operably connected with
the processor, the memory comprising one or more of a server-side master
application, a server-side customization application, and a server-side streaming
application; a projector operably connected with the processor; and a local
interface operably connected with the processor and configured to communicate
over a network with a client device controlled by a user, the server-side master
application configured to receive over the network from the client device a
message or packet comprising stock media content selected by the user, the
server-side customization application configured to obtain customization
preferences of the user; the server-side customization application further
configured to customize the stock media content, using the customization
preferences of the user, so as to create customized media content, the local
interface configured to transmit to the client device via the network server-side
timing information and the customized media content so that the client device may substantially synchronize with its playback of the customized media content a playback by the projector of the stock media content.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] FIGURE 1 is a block diagram of a networked environment for real-time
customization and synchronization via one or more electronic devices of media
content.
[0017] FIGURE 2 is a schematic block diagram of the server-side computing
device in an alternative configuration of a networked environment for real-time
customization and synchronization via one or more electronic devices of media
content.
[0018] FIGURE 3 is a flowchart of a method for real-time customization and
synchronization of stock media content. FIGURE 3 applies to the baseline
method viewed from the client side.
[0019] FIGURE 4 is a flowchart of a method for real-time customization and
synchronization of stock media content. FIGURE 4 applies to the baseline
method viewed from the server side.
[0020] FIGURE 5 is a flowchart of a method for real-time customization and
synchronization of stock media content. FIGURE 5 applies to the download and
streaming methods viewed from the client side.
[0021] FIGURE 6 is a flowchart of a method for real-time customization and
synchronization of stock media content. FIGURE 6 applies to the download and
streaming method viewed from the server side.
[0022] FIGURE 7 is a flowchart of a method for real-time customization and
synchronization of stock media content. FIGURE 7 applies to the live method
viewed from the client side.
[0023] FIGURE 8 is a flowchart of a method for real-time customization and
synchronization of stock media content. FIGURE 8 applies to the live method
viewed from the server side.
[0024] FIGURE 9 is a flowchart of a more detailed method by which the
client-side customization application, using a pre-defined data structure, using a
client-side main thread and a client-side background thread, constructs a media
content file comprising one or more of a user's selected media content and media
content that was not selected by the user. Figure 9 provides provide more detail
regarding sub-steps of step 315 in Figure 3 for the baseline method.
[0025] FIGURE 10 is a flowchart of a method by which the client-side
customization application, using a pre-defined data structure, constructs a media
content file comprising one or more of a user's selected media content and media
content that was not selected by the user. Figure 10 provides more detail
regarding sub-steps of step 315 in Figure 3 for the baseline method.
[0026] FIGURE 11 is a flowchart of a more detailed method for customizing
stock media content, so as to create customized media content, providing more
detail from an overall view regarding sub-steps of step 615 in Figure 6 for the download and streaming methods, and providing more detail regarding sub-steps of step 815 in Figure 8 for the live method.
[0027] FIGURE 12 is a flowchart of a method for customizing stock media
content, so as to create customized media content, providing more detail from an
overall view regarding sub-steps of step 615 in Figure 6 for the download and
streaming methods, and providing more detail regarding sub-steps of step 815 in
Figure 8 for the live method.
[0028] FIGURE 13 is a flowchart of a method for constructing a customized
media content comprising stock media content selected by a user and
customization preferences of the user. FIGURE 13 provides more detail
regarding sub-steps of step 345 in Figure 3 for the baseline method, step 545 in
Figure 5 for the download and streaming methods, and step 745 in Figure 7 for
the live method.
[0029] FIGURE 14 is a flowchart of a method for receiving and processing a
server-side message or packet and synchronizing one or more clocks in a client
side synchronization application with one or more clocks in a server-side master
application . FIGURE 14 provides more detail regarding sub-steps of step 360 in
Figure 3 for the baseline method, and step 560 in Figure 5 for the download and
streaming methods. Synchronization is not required with the live method.
[0030] FIGURES 15A and 15B are a pair of exemplary screenshots of GUI's
of a client device showing examples of screens initially displayed to a user prior
to initiation of one or more of a customization and synchronization.
[0031] FIGURE 16 is an exemplary screenshot of a graphical user interface
(GUI) of a client device in a networked environment where the client device
displays extracted media content that is taken from digital media content and
then is inserted into a custom media track.
[0032] FIGURE 17 is an exemplary screenshot of a GUI of a client device
that displays an example of how the GUI receives the user's selection of a
custom identifier to be inserted into a custom track.
[0033] FIGURE 18 is an exemplary screenshot of a GUI of a client device
showing an example of a backdrop screen seen by a user while processing of
data is being performed.
[0034] FIGURE 19 is an exemplary screenshot of a GUI of a client device
showing an example of a customized player screen.
[0035] FIGURE 20 is an exemplary screenshot of a GUI of a client device
showing an example of a login screen for a children's application.
[0036] FIGURE 21 is an exemplary screenshot of a GUI of a client device
showing an example of a player resumption screen.
[0037] FIGURE 22 is an exemplary screenshot of a GUI of a client device
showing an example of a background screen seen by a user prior to initiation of
play of media.
[0038] FIGURE 23 is an exemplary screenshot of a GUI of a client device
showing an example of an alternative commentary screen seen by a user as an
alternative commentary track is being played.
[0039] FIGURE 24 is an exemplary screenshot of a GUI of a client device
showing an example of an Alternative Content Screen seen by a user before
alternative content plays.
[0040] FIGURE 25 is an exemplary screenshot of a GUI of a client device
showing an example of an alternative content play screen seen by a user as
alternative content is playing.
[0041] FIGURES 26A and 26B are a pair of exemplary screenshots of GUI's
of a client device showing examples of survey screens displayed to a user
pursuant to initiation of a user survey.
[0042] FIGURE 27 is an exemplary screenshot of a GUI of a client device
showing an example of a Storefront Screen seen by a user visiting the store.
[0043] FIGURES 28A and 28B are a pair of exemplary screenshots of GUI's
of a client device showing examples of custom motion picture purchase screens
displayed to a user pursuant to initiation of a purchase of a custom motion
picture.
[0044] FIGURE 29 is an exemplary screenshot of a GUI of a client device
showing an example of an item purchase screen seen by a user considering
making a purchase of an item.
[0045] FIGURE 30 is an exemplary screenshot of a GUI of a client device
showing an example of a Purchase Summary Screen seen by a user making a
purchase of the custom motion picture depicted in FIGURE 28 and of the watch
depicted in FIGURE 29.
[0046] FIGURES 31A and 31B are a pair of exemplary screenshots of GUI's
of a client device showing examples of users using the social network.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0047] While the present invention is susceptible of embodiment in many
different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be described in
detail one or more specific embodiments, with the understanding that the
present disclosure is to be considered as exemplary of the principles of the
invention and not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments
shown and described. In the following description and in the several figures of
the drawings, like reference numerals are used to describe the same, similar or
corresponding parts in the several views of the drawings.
[0048] The system for the customization via one or more electronic devices
of one or more of media content includes a plurality of components such as one
or more of electronic components, hardware components, and computer
software components. A number of such components can be combined or
divided in the system. An example component of the system includes a set
and/or series of computer instructions written in or implemented with any of a
number of programming languages, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the
art.
[0049] The system in one example employs one or more computer-readable
signal-bearing media. The computer-readable signal bearing media store
software, firmware and/or assembly language for performing one or more
portions of one or more implementations of the invention. The computer
readable signal-bearing medium for the system in one example comprises one or
more of a magnetic, electrical, optical, biological, and atomic data storage
medium. For example, the computer-readable signal-bearing medium comprises
floppy disks, magnetic tapes, CD-ROMs, DVD-ROMs, hard disk drives,
downloadable files, files executable "in the cloud," and electronic memory.
[0050] FIGURE 1 is a block diagram of a networked environment 100 for
real-time customization and synchronization via one or more electronic devices
of media content that comprises a client-side networked environment 105, a
server-side networked environment 110, and a network 115. The network 115
comprises one or more of the Internet, a private virtual network, an extranet, a
fiber optic network, a wide area network (WAN), a local area network (LAN), a
wired network, a wireless network, and another type of network.
[0051] The client-side networked environment 105 comprises a client device
120 and a client-side playback device 125 that is operably connected with the
client device 120. The client device 120 comprises, for example, one or more of
a tablet, a phone, a smart device, a virtual reality headset, a computer program,
a computer browser, a media player, a game console, a virtual device, and
another computing device.
[0052] The client device 120 processes a user's selection of media content.
For example, the client device 120 processes the user's selection of media
content to match media content stored in the client-side data storage 135.
Alternatively, or additionally, the client device 120 may create new media
content. The media content may be one or more of encrypted, non-encrypted,
compressed, and non-compressed.
[0053] For example, the client device 120 may create a new audio clip. The
client device 120 may create the new audio clip by one or more of executing a
text-to-audio algorithm, executing a speech recognition algorithm, executing an
algorithm based on trends, making a random selection of the new audio clip,
making a selection of the new audio clip, and by another method for making new
media content. The client device 120 may create the new audio clip based on
one or more of a media selected by the user, a media selected by another user,
the user's historical purchases, the user's consumption history, the user's
recommended items, items recommended by the system to users, and another
audio clip criterion.
[0054] The client device 120 runs one or more applications. The client
device 120 deploys over the network 115.
[0055] The client-side playback device 125 is configured to play media
content. For example, the client-side playback device 125 plays media content
received from the client device 120. Alternatively, or additionally, the client-side
playback device 125 plays media content received directly over the network 115.
For example, the client-side playback device 125 comprises one or more of a headphone, a pair of earphones, a pair of earbuds, earworn wearables, a screen, a television, a monitor, an in-venue projector, a home theater, a television, a monitor, a three-dimensional digital projector, and another client-side playback device. For example, the client-side playback device 125 comprises one or more of an open headphone 125, a semi-open headphone 125, a closed headphone
125, and another type of headphone 125. For example, the client-side playback
device 125 operates in one or more of a single-channel environment and a multi
channel speaker environment. For example, the client-side playback device 125
operates in a Dolby Atmos environment.
[0056] The client device 120 comprises one or more of client-side memory
130 and a client-side data storage 135.
[0057] The client-side memory 130 is defined herein as including both volatile
and nonvolatile memory and data storage components. For example, the client
side memory 130 comprises one or more client-side buffers. Volatile
components are those that do not retain data values upon loss of power.
Nonvolatile components are those that retain data upon loss of power. For
example, the client-side memory 130 may comprise one or more of random
access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), hard disk drive, solid-state
drive, USB flash drive, memory card, floppy disk, optical disc such as compact
disc (CD) or digital versatile disc (DVD), magnetic tape, and other memory
components. For example, the RAM may comprise one or more of static random
access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), magnetic
random access memory (MRAM), and other forms of RAM. For example, the
ROM may comprise one or more of programmable read-only memory (PROM),
erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable
programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), and other forms of ROM.
[0058] The client-side memory 130 comprises one or more of a client-side
electronic commerce application 140, a client-side customization application 145,
a client-side synchronization application 147, a client-side audience
measurement application 150, a client-side social networking application 155,
and a client-side additional content application 160. For example, the client-side
memory 130 comprises one or more client-side buffers.
[0059] The client-side memory 130 further comprises a client device unique
identifier. The client device unique identifier is a number unique to this particular
device. In other words, each device in the world will have its own number that no
other such device will have. A copy of the client device unique identifier, known
as a as a client-side unique identifier, will be transmitted by the client in a
message or packet to the server. Then a copy of the client-side transmitted
unique identifier, known as a server-side unique identifier, will be transmitted
back from the server to the client. The server-side unique identifier received by
the client will then be compared with the client device unique identifier to help
determine the integrity of the messages and as a security check.
[0060] Optionally, the client-side memory 130 further comprises an other
client-side application (not pictured). The other client-side application comprises
one or more of an additional client-side application, an additional client-side service, an additional client-side process, and an additional client-side functionality.
[0061] For example, the other client-side application runs background
services. For example, the other client-side application runs boot processes.
For example, the other client-side application runs other client-side applications.
[0062] The client-side data storage 135 comprises one or more of a single
database, a multiple database, a cloud application platform, a relational
database, a no-sequel database, flash memory, solid state memory, and another
client-side data storage device. The client-side data storage 135 may be located
in a single installation that may be local to the server-side computing device 110.
Alternatively, the client-side data storage 135 may be located in a single
installation that may be local to the client device 120. Alternatively, the client
side data storage 135 may be distributed in a plurality of locations. The client
side data storage 135 may be distributed in a plurality of geographical locations.
The client-side data storage 135 may be distributed in a plurality of geographical
locations located in the same time zone. The client-side data storage 135 may
be distributed in a plurality of geographical locations, wherein not all the
geographical locations are located in the same time zone.
[0063] The client-side data storage 135 comprises one or more of item
prices, order information, media content, and other information. For example, the
media content comprises one or more of an audio track, a video track, another
media track, a motion picture, a commercial, a motion picture trailer, a
demonstration ("demo"), a commentary, extra content, and another form of additional content. The media content comprises one or more of media data, media content files, and other media content. The motion picture comprises one or more of a film, a movie, a documentary, a commercial, a trailer, a television show, and another motion picture. The media data comprises one or more of an audio track, a multi-channel track, a commentary, and other media data. The audio track comprises one or more of an English language audio track, an audio track in a language other than English, and a customized audio track. The commentary comprises one or more of a commentary by one or more directors of a motion picture, a commentary by one or more actors in a motion picture, a commentary by contributors to a motion picture other than the directors and actors, and a commentary by persons other than contributors to a motion picture.
[0064] The client-side electronic commerce application 140 is configured to
perform one or more of receiving user orders, fulfilling user orders and delivering
ordered products to an ordering user. The client-side electronic commerce
application 140 is configured to execute online purchases placed by the user of
one or more of physical goods, services, and media content. The client-side
electronic commerce application 140 is further configured to optionally customize
the one or more of physical goods, services, and media content. For example,
an additional charge may apply to a user wishing to have customized the one or
more of physical goods, services, and media content. For example, the one or
more of physical goods, services, and media content may be customized by
adding one or more of a user-specified name, a user-specified message or
packet, and another form of customization specified by the user.
[0065] For example, the user-specified name may comprise a name of a
character comprised in the digital media content. For example, the digital media
content comprises a motion picture. For example, if a motion picture is titled,
"Joe's and Sport's Exciting Trip" and describes a road trip by a man Joe and his
dog Sport, the user-specified name might be "Joe." For example, the user might
insert the user's own name as the name of one of the characters in the digital
media content. For example, a user named Hamilton might insert "Hamilton" as
the name of the character known in the motion picture as Joe. For example, the
user might insert the name of his or her pet as the name of one of the animals in
the digital media content. For example, if Hamilton has a dog named Champ,
Hamilton might insert "Champ" as the name of the dog known in the motion
picture as Sport.
[0066] The client-side customization application 145 is configured to store
media content. For example, the client-side customization application 145 stores
the playable media content in the client-side data storage 135. The playable
media content comprises one or more of a segmented media content track, a
non-segmented media content track, and another playable media content.
Optionally, the client-side customization application 145 performs media
processing of the playable media content. For example, the client-side
customization application 145 passes the playable media content through a
bandpass filter. For example, the client-side customization application 145
parses the playable media content into a chronological sequence that
substantially matches the sequence of the motion picture. For example, the client-side customization application 145 writes the playable media content to one or more of the client-side data storage 135 and the client-side memory 130.
For example, the client-side customization application 145 writes the playable
media content to a media content file located in one or more of the client-side
data storage 135 and the client-side memory 130.
[0067] The client-side synchronization application 147 is configured to
connect with the server-side networked environment 110 so as to substantially
synchronize between the server-side networked environment 110 and the client
device 120 media content played on the client-side playback device 125. The
client-side playback device 125 comprises one or more of a screen, a television,
a monitor, a cellular phone, a laptop computer, a desktop computer, a notebook,
a tablet, a multi-channel playback system, and another client-side playback
device. The client-side playback device plays for the user one or more of audio
media content, video media content, and another form of media content. For
example, the networked environment 100 may be synchronized with other
sensory experiences such as, for example, one or more of smoke effects, water
droplets, moving chairs, and the like. For example, more than one client-side
playback device 125 may be used simultaneously.
[0068] As explained below in greater detail, particularly in Figures 3 and 12,
the client-side synchronization application 147 is configured to perform one or
more of sampling and recording a client-side running media play time (CRMPT)
at which the client-side media player plays the media on the client. The CRMPT
is defined as an elapsed running time for customized media content that is being played by the client-side media player on the client. If no customized media content is being played by the client-side media player, the CRMPT is defined as zero. The CRMPT recorded by the client-side synchronization application 147 represents a real world time value based on the host system clock of the client.
Then, the client-side synchronization application 147 creates a client-side
message or packet that it transmits to the server-side networked environment
110.
[0069] The client-side audience measurement application 150 is configured
to solicit the user's opinion regarding one or more questions of interest. For
example, the client-side audience measurement application 150 presents the
user with one or more of a survey and another audience measure. For example,
the client-side audience measurement application 150 solicits the user's opinion
regarding an audience measure relating to the media content displayed by the
client-side playback device 125.
[0070] The client-side social networking application 155 comprises a client
side social networking interface (not pictured) configured to communicate with
the user. The client-side social networking interface communicates with the user
via one or more of in-venue communication and home communication.
[0071] The client-side additional content application 160 is configured to play
additional content comprised in the client device 120. For example, the
additional content comprises one or more of a commercial, a motion picture
trailer, a demonstration ("demo"), extra content, and another form of additional
content. For example, the demo comprises one or more of a demonstration regarding a technical breakthrough, a behind-the-scenes short film regarding the making of a motion picture, an outtakes reel, a documentary about a topic relating to the motion picture, and another demo. One or more of the commercials may be customized. Alternatively, or additionally, one or more of the commercials may not be customized. One or more of the trailers may be customized. Alternatively, or additionally, one or more of the trailers may not be customized.
[0072] The server-side networked environment 110 comprises a server-side
data storage 165, a server-side computing device 170 that is operably connected
with the server-side data storage 165, and a server-side playback device 175
that is operably connected with the server-side data storage 165. The server
side data storage 165 is a second location where, as mentioned above in relation
to the client-side data storage 135, the client-side customization application 145
may store the playable media content.
[0073] The server-side data storage 165 comprises one or more of item
prices, order information, media content, and other information. The media
content comprises one or more of media data, media content files, and other
media content. For example, the media content files comprise one or more of an
audio track, a video track, another media track, a motion picture, another media
track, a commercial, a motion picture trailer, a demonstration ("demo"), a
commentary, extra content, and another form of additional content. For
example, the audio track comprises one or more of an English language audio
track, an audio track in a language other than English, and a customized audio track. For example, the commentary comprises one or more of a commentary by one or more directors of a motion picture, a commentary by one or more actors in a motion picture, a commentary by contributors to a motion picture other than the directors and actors, and a commentary by persons other than contributors to a motion picture.
[0074] The server-side data storage 165 comprises one or more of a single
database, a multiple database, a cloud application platform, a relational
database, a no-sequel database, flash memory, solid state memory, and another
server-side data storage device. The server-side data storage 165 may be
located in a single installation that may be local to the client device 120.
Alternatively, the server-side data storage 165 may be located in a single
installation that may be local to the server-side computing device 170.
Alternatively, the server-side data storage 165 may be distributed in a plurality of
locations. The server-side data storage 165 may be distributed in a plurality of
geographical locations. The server-side data storage 165 may be distributed in a
plurality of geographical locations located in the same time zone. The server
side data storage 165 may be distributed in a plurality of geographical locations,
wherein not all the geographical locations are located in the same time zone.
[0075] The server-side computing device 170 comprises one or more of a
server, a computer, a cloud-computing device, and a distributed computing
system.
[0076] Optionally, the server-side computing device 170 further comprises an
other server-side application (not pictured). The other server-side application comprises one or more of an additional server-side application, an additional server-side service, an additional server-side process, and an additional server side functionality.
[0077] For example, the other server-side application runs background
services. For example, the other server-side application runs boot processes.
For example, the other server-side application runs other server-side
applications.
[0078] The server-side computing device 170 may be located in a single
installation. Alternatively, the server-side computing device 170 may be
distributed in a plurality of geographical locations. For example, the server-side
computing device 170 may be distributed in a plurality of geographical locations
located in the same time zone. For example, the server-side computing device
170 may be distributed in a plurality of geographical locations wherein not all the
geographical locations are located in the same time zone.
[0079] The server-side playback device 175 is configured to play media
content. For example, the server-side playback device 175 plays media content
received from the server-side computing device 170. Alternatively, or
additionally, the server-side playback device 175 plays media content received
directly overthe network 115. Forexample, the server-side playback device 175
comprises one or more of a headphone, a pair of earphones, a pair of earbuds,
earworn wearables, a screen, a television, a monitor, an in-venue projector, a
home theater, a television, a monitor, a three-dimensional digital projector, and
another device. The server-side playback device 175 is configured to communicate with the server-side computing device 170. For example, the server-side playback device 175 communicates with the server-side computing device 170 using one or more of a satellite, an antenna, a cable, the network
115, and another communication method. The server-side playback device 175
is a second device that can, as mentioned above in relation to the client-side
playback device 125, play media content regarding which the user's opinion is
solicited by the client-side audience measurement application 150.
[0080] The server-side computing device comprises a server-side memory
180. The server-side memory 180 is defined herein as including both volatile
and nonvolatile memory and data storage components. For example, the server
side memory 180 comprises one or more server-side buffers. Volatile
components are those that do not retain data values upon loss of power.
Nonvolatile components are those that retain data upon loss of power. For
example, the server-side memory 180 may comprise one or more of random
access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), hard disk drive, solid-state
drive, USB flash drive, memory card, floppy disk, optical disc such as compact
disc (CD) or digital versatile disc (DVD), magnetic tape, and other memory
components. For example, the RAM may comprise one or more of static random
access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), magnetic
random access memory (MRAM), and other forms of RAM. For example, the
ROM may comprise one or more of programmable read-only memory (PROM),
erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable
programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), and other forms of ROM.
[0081] The server-side memory 180 comprises one or more of a server-side
master application 185, a server-side customization application 190, and a
server-side streaming application 195. The server-side master application 185 is
configured to provide synchronization timing information to one or more of the
client-side synchronization application 147 and the server-side streaming
application 195.
[0082] As explained below in greater detail, particularly in Figures 3 and 12,
the server-side master application 185 is configured to perform one or more of
sampling and recording a server-side running media play time (SRMPT) at which
the server-side media player plays the media on the server. The SRMPT is
defined as an elapsed running time for customized media content that is being
played by the server-side media player on the server. If no customized media
content is being played by the server-side media player, the SRMPT is defined
as zero. For example, the motion picture's SRMPT time might clock in at 6
minutes, 10 seconds, and 10 frames. The SRMPT recorded by the server-side
master application 185 represents a real world time value based on the host
system clock of the server. Then, the server-side master application 185 creates
a server-side message or packet that it transmits to the client-side
synchronization application 147.
[0083] The server-side customization application 190 is configured to store
playable media content to be played by the server-side playback device 175. For
example, the server-side customization application 190 stores the playable
media content in the server-side data storage 165. Optionally, the server-side customization application 190 performs media processing of the playable media content. For example, the server-side customization application 190 passes the playable media content through a bandpass filter. For example, the server-side customization application 190 parses the playable media content into a chronological sequence that substantially matches the sequence of the motion picture. For example, the server-side customization application 190 writes the playable media content to one or more of the server-side data storage 165 and the server-side memory 180. For example, the server-side customization application 190 writes the playable media content to a media content file located in one or more of the server-side data storage 165 and the server-side memory
180.
[0084] The server-side streaming application 195 segments media content
for deployment via the network 115 to the client device 120. The server-side
streaming application 195 supports multiple alternate data streams, two or more
of which can have different bit rates from each other. The server-side streaming
application 195 also allows for the client device 120 to switch streams intelligently
as network bandwidth changes. The server-side streaming application 195 also
provides for media encryption and user authentication over encrypted
connections.
[0085] FIGURE 2 is a schematic block diagram of the server-side computing
device 170 in an alternative configuration of a networked environment for real
time customization and synchronization via one or more electronic devices of
media content.
[0086] The server-side computing device 170 comprises one or more of the
server-side data storage 165, the server-side projector 175, the server-side
memory 180, a server-side processor 210, and a server-side local interface 220.
The server-side local interface 220 is operationally connected with one or more
of the server-side data storage 165, the server-side memory 180, and the server
side processor 210. The server-side memory comprises one or more of the
server-side master application 185, the server-side customization application
190, and the server-side streaming application 195. For example, the server
side processor 210 comprises a server-side computer. For example, the server
side local interface 220 comprises a bus. For example, the server-side local
interface 220 comprises a bus and further comprises one or more of an
accompanying address/control bus or other bus structure.
[0087] Software components stored in one or more of the server-side
memory 180 and the server-side data storage 165 are executable by the server
side processor 210. In this respect, the term "executable" means a program file
that is in a form that can ultimately be run by the server-side processor 210. For
example, a compiled program is executable if it may be translated into machine
code in a format that can be loaded into a random access portion of the server
side memory 180 and run by the server-side processor 210. For example,
source code is executable if it may be expressed in a proper format, such as
object code, that may be loaded into a random access portion of the server-side
memory 180 and run by the server-side processor 210. For example, source
code is executable if it may be interpreted by another executable program to generate instructions in a random access portion of the server-side memory 180 and run by the server-side processor 210. An executable program may be stored in one or more portions or components of the server-side memory 180.
For example, the server-side memory 180 comprises one or more of random
access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), hard disk drive, solid-state
drive, USB flash drive, memory card, floppy disk, optical disc such as compact
disc (CD) or digital versatile disc (DVD), magnetic tape, and other memory
components may be stored in any portion or component of the server-side
memory 180.
[0088] One or more of data and components stored in one or more of the
server-side memory 180 and the server-side data storage 165 are executable by
the server-side processor 210. For example, the server-side processor 210 can
execute one or more of the server-side master application 185, the server-side
customization application 190, and the server-side streaming application 195.
[0089] For example, as an alternative to the setup in FIGURE 1 with the
server-side data storage 165 separate from the server-side computing device
170, the server-side data storage 165 may be located in the server-side
computing device 170. For example, the server-side data storage 165 may be
located in the server-side memory 180.
[0090] The server-side processor 210 comprises one or more processors.
The server-side memory 180 comprises one or more memories. For example,
the server-side memory 180 comprises at least one memory configured to
operate in a parallel processing circuit. In such a case, the server-side local interface 220 may serve as the network 115. For example, the server-side local interface 220 may facilitate communication between two processors. For example, the server-side local interface 220 may facilitate communication between a processor and a memory. For example, the server-side local interface
220 may facilitate communication between two memories. The server-side local
interface 220 may comprise additional systems designed to coordinate this
communication. For example, the server-side local interface 220 may comprise
a system to perform load balancing. The server-side processor 210 may
comprise an electrical processor. Alternatively, or additionally the server-side
processor 210 may comprise a non-electrical processor.
[0091] Any logic or application described herein, including but not limited to
the server-side master application 185, the server-side customization application
190, and the server-side streaming application 195 that comprises software or
code can be embodied in any non-transitory computer-readable medium for use
by or in connection with an instruction execution system such as, for example, a
server-side processor 210 in a computer system or other system. In this sense,
the logic may comprise, for example, statements including instructions and
declarations that can be fetched from the computer-readable medium and can be
executed by the instruction execution system. In the context of the present
disclosure, a computer-readable medium can be any medium that can contain,
store, or maintain the logic or application described herein for use by or in
connection with the instruction execution system. For example, the computer
readable medium may comprise one or more of RAM, ROM, hard disk drive, solid-state drive, USB flash drive, memory card, floppy disk, optical disc such as a CD or a DVD, magnetic tape, and other memory components. For example, the RAM may comprise one or more of SRAM, DRAM), MRAM, and other forms of RAM. For example, the ROM may comprise one or more of PROM, EPROM,
EEPROM, and other forms of ROM.
[0092] FIGURE 3 is a flowchart of a method 300 for real-time customization
and synchronization of stock media content. FIGURE 3 applies to the baseline
method viewed from the client side.
[0093] The order of the steps in the method 300 is not constrained to that
shown in Figure 3 or described in the following discussion. Several of the steps
could occur in a different order without affecting the final result.
[0094] According to this method, to which we shall refer in shorthand as the
baseline method, the client constructs the customized media content. According
to this baseline method, the client performs the synchronization of the client-side
playback with the server-side playback.
[0095] In block 305, a client-side customization application receives a user's
selection of stock media content to be customized and played on a client-side
playback device in synchronization with server-side playback of the stock media
content by a server-side master application. The client-side customization
application stores the user's stock media selection in one or more of client-side
data storage and client-side memory. Block 305 then transfers control to block
310.
[0096] Next, in block 310, the client-side customization application obtains a
user's customization preferences. A user's customization preferences can be
chosen by the user and then received by the client-side customization application
from the user. Alternatively, or additionally, the user's customization preferences
can be generated by the client-side customization application using user
characteristics comprised in one or more of memory and data storage. For
example, a user may wish for his name or the name of his spouse or his favorite
musician to replace a main character's name throughout a motion picture. For
example, a user may like the Scottish accent so one of the main character's lines
may be dubbed so as to be spoken with a Scottish accent. Alternatively, or
additionally, the client-side customization application uses the user's
characteristics to generate the customization preferences. For example, if the
name of a user's spouse is known, that name replaces a main character's name
throughout a motion picture without the user specifically requesting this exact
customization. For example, if a user is known to like soul music, a well-known
soul music song may be substituted into the movie at a point where a classical
piece is normally played. Block 310 then transfers control to block 315.
[0097] Next, in block 315, the client-side customization application, using the
customization preferences, customizes the stock media content, so as to create
customized media content. For example, the client-side customization
application customizes the stock media content using a pre-defined data
structure. For example, the pre-defined data structure structures the data in chronological order. For example, the pre-defined data structure structures the data according to a structure that does not comprise chronological order.
[0098] For example, the pre-defined data structure structures the user's
selected stock media content in chronological order, and structures the stock
media content not selected by the user in separate chronological order. For
example, the pre-defined data structure structures the user's selected stock
media content in chronological order, first a title sequence, second an opening
act of a motion picture, third a middle act of a motion picture, fourth a closing act
of a motion picture, and fifth credits of a motion picture. For example, the
chronological order is based on the time the stock media content was created by
the media creators such as film directors or musicians. For example, the
chronological order is based on the time the stock media content was saved. For
example, the chronological order is based on the time at which the stock media
content had maximum popularity. For example, the chronological order is based
on another user-selected time.
[0099] Further details of how to perform step 315 are given in Figures 9 and
10. Block 315 then transfers control to block 330.
[00100] Next, in block 330, the client-side synchronization application creates
a client-side message or packet. The client-side message or packet comprises
one or more of a client-side unique identifier and a client-side start host time
(CSHT). The client-side unique identifier comprises a copy of the client-side
customization application unique identifier. The client device unique identifier
uniquely identifies the client device. The CSHT is defined as a host time at which transmission of a server-side message or packet is requested on the client side.
For example, the CSHT may comprise the time at which client-side playback
starts. For example, the client device comprises one or more of a tablet, a
notebook computer, a laptop computer, a cellular phone, and another client
computing device. For example, the client-side unique identifier comprises an
alphanumeric string.
[00101] For example, the client-side customization application communicates
over a network so as to obtain server-side timing information from the server-side
master application. For example, to communicate with the server-side master
application, the client-side synchronization application browses the network. The
client-side synchronization application then resolves the master application. The
client-side synchronization application then connects via the network to the
master application. Further, one or more of a server-side clock and an external
clock may be used to synchronize the server-side master application with the
client-side customization application. Block 330 then transfers control to block
335.
[00102] Next, in block 335, the client-side customization application sends the
client-side message or packet to the server-side master application. Optionally,
to facilitate error detection, a client-side transmitted error code can be added to
messages or packets sent from the client-side to the server-side. To facilitate
verification of data authenticity, the client-side customization application saves
the client-side message or packet to one or more of client-side memory and
client-side data storage. Block 335 then transfers control to block 340.
[00103] Next, in block 340, the client-side synchronization application waits for
a pre-determined time period for a valid response from the server-side master
application. If a valid response is received within the pre-determined time period,
the process continues to step 345. If the client-side customization application
does not receive a valid response from the server-side master application within
a pre-determined time period, the request times out, and the process loops back
to step 330.
[00104] Next, in block 345, the server-side master application receives and
processes the client-side message or packet. Further details of how to perform
step 345 are given in Figure 13. Block 345 then transfers control to block 350.
[00105] Next, in block 350, using the synchronized clocks, the server-side
master application creates a server-side message or packet. For example, the
server-side message or packet comprises one or more of a server-side unique
identifier, the CSHT, a server-side start host time (SSHT), a server-side end host
time (SEHT), and a server-side running media play time (SRMPT). The SSHT is
defined as a host time at which transmission of a client-side message or packet
is requested on the server side. For example, the SSHT may comprise the time
at which server-side playback starts. The SEHT is defined as a host time at
which transmission of a client-side message or packet ends on the server side.
For example, the SEHT may comprise the time at which server-side playback
stops. Block 350 then transfers control to block 355.
[00106] Next, in block 355, the server-side master application transmits the
server-side message or packet to the client-side synchronization application.
Optionally, to facilitate error detection, the server-side master application adds a
server-side transmitted error code to one or more server-side messages or
packets it sends to the client-side synchronization application. Block 355 then
transfers control to block 360.
[00107] Next, in block 360, the client-side synchronization application receives
and processes the server-side message or packet and substantially synchronizes
one or more clocks in the client-side synchronization application with one or more
clocks in the server-side master application. Further details of how to perform
step 360 are given in Figure 14. Optionally, an additional step may be inserted
here of relaying to the user, by the client device, one or more offers to purchase
customized goods prepared by the server-side computing device using the user's
customization preferences.
[00108] Block 360 then transfers control to block 375.
[00109] Next, in block 375, the client-side synchronization application begins
playback of the customized media content in synchronization with playback of the
stock media content by a server-side playback device. Block 375 then
terminates the process.
[00110] FIGURE 4 is a flowchart of a method 400 for real-time customization
and synchronization of stock media content. FIGURE 4 applies to the baseline
method viewed from the server side.
[00111] The order of the steps in the method 400 is not constrained to that
shown in Figure 4 or described in the following discussion. Several of the steps
could occur in a different order without affecting the final result.
[00112] In block 405, a server-side master application receives and processes
from a client device controlled by a user a client-side message or packet
comprising one or more of a client-side unique identifier and a client-side start
host time (CSHT). Block 405 then transfers control to block 450.
[00113] Next, in block 450, the server-side master application creates a
server-side message or packet. For example, the server-side message or packet
comprises one or more of a server-side unique identifier, the CSHT, a server
side start host time (SSHT), a server-side end host time (SEHT), and a server
side running media play time (SRMPT). The server-side unique identifier
comprises a copy of the client-side unique identifier. Block 450 then transfers
control to block 455.
[00114] Next, in block 455, the server-side master application transmits the
server-side message or packet to the client-side synchronization application, to
be used by the client-side customization application along with previously
received stock media content selected by a user to be customized, and
customized media content previously created using customization preferences
obtained from a user, to substantially synchronize in real-time, using the CSHT,
client-side playback of the customized media content with server-side playback
of the stock media content. Block 455 then transfers control to block 475.
[00115] Next, in block 475, the server-side master application begins playback
of the stock media content in synchronization with playback of the customized
media content by a client-side playback device. Block 475 then terminates the
process.
[00116] FIGURE 5 is a flowchart of a method 500 for real-time customization
and synchronization of stock media content. FIGURE 5 applies to the download
and streaming method viewed from the client side.
[00117] The order of the steps in the method 500 is not constrained to that
shown in Figure 5 or described in the following discussion. Several of the steps
could occur in a different order without affecting the final result.
[00118] According to this method, which covers the first and second
alternative methods, the download and streaming methods, the server constructs
the customized media content. The client performs the synchronization of the
client-side playback with the server-side playback.
[00119] According to the download method, the client-side customization
application sends the user's selection of media content to the server-side
customization application. The server-side customization application then
constructs the customized media content file and then sends the media content
file to the client-side synchronization application for playback. According to the
download method, the client-side synchronization application performs the
synchronization of the client-side playback with the server-side playback.
Optionally, the media content file can be chunked so that it can be downloaded in
sections.
[00120] According to the streaming method, the client-side customization
application streams the user's selection of stock media content to the server-side
customization application. The server-side customization application then
constructs the customized media content file and then sends the media content file to the client-side synchronization application for playback. According to the streaming method, the client-side synchronization application performs the synchronization of the client-side playback with the server-side playback.
Optionally, the media content file can be chunked so that it can be streamed in
sections.
[00121] In block 505, a client-side customization application receives a user's
selection of stock media content to be customized and played by a client-side
playback device in synchronization with server-side playback of the stock media
content by a server-side playback device. Block 505 then transfers control to
block 510.
[00122] Next, in block 510, the client-side customization application obtains a
user's customization preferences. A user's customization preferences can be
chosen by the user. Alternatively, or additionally, the user's customization
preferences can be generated using user characteristics comprised in one or
more of memory and data storage. For example, a user may wish for his name
or the name of his spouse or his favorite musician to replace a main character's
name throughout a motion picture. For example, a user may like the Scottish
accent so one of the main character's lines may be dubbed so as to be spoken
with a Scottish accent. Alternatively, or additionally, the client-side customization
application uses the user's characteristics to generate the customization
preferences. For example, if the name of a user's spouse is known, that name
replaces a main character's name throughout a motion picture without the user
specifically requesting this exact customization. For example, if a user is known to like soul music, a well-known soul music song may be substituted into the movie at a point where a classical piece is normally played. Block 510 then transfers control to block 512.
[00123] Next, in block 512, the client-side synchronization application sends
to the server-side customization application a client-side message comprising
one or more of the user's customization preferences and the user's selection of
stock media content, for the server-side customization application to use to
construct the media content file, creating customized media content.
[00124] For example, to communicate with the server-side master application,
the client-side synchronization application browses the network. The client-side
synchronization application then resolves the master application. The client-side
synchronization application then connects via the network to the master
application. Block 512 then transfers control to block 523.
[00125] Next, in block 523, the client-side synchronization application receives
the customized media content in real-time from the server-side streaming
application. For the download alternative, the client-side synchronization
application receives the customized media by download from the server-side
synchronization application and stores the customized media content in the
client-side data storage 135 or in a client-side buffer. Alternatively, for the
streaming alternative, the client-side synchronization application receives by
streaming and temporarily stores segments of the customized media content in
the client-side data storage 135 or in the client-side buffer. Block 523 then
transfers control to block 530.
[00126] Next, in block 530, the client-side synchronization application creates
a client-side message or packet. The client-side message or packet comprises
one or more of a client-side unique identifier and a client-side start host time
(CSHT). Block 530 then transfers control to block 535.
[00127] Next, in block 535, the client-side customization application sends the
client-side message or packet to the server-side master application. Optionally,
to facilitate error detection, a client-side transmitted error code can be added to
messages or packets sent from the client-side to the server-side. To facilitate
verification of data authenticity, the client-side customization application saves
the client-side message or packet to one or more of client-side memory and
client-side data storage. Block 535 then transfers control to block 540.
[00128] Next, in block 540, the client-side synchronization application waits for
a pre-determined time period for a valid response from the server-side master
application. If a valid response is received within the pre-determined time period,
the process continues to step 555. If the client-side customization application
does not receive a valid response from the server-side master application within
a pre-determined time period, the request times out, and the process loops back
to step 530.
[00129] Next, in block 555, the client-side synchronization application receives
from the server-side master application a server-side message or packet
comprising one or more of a server-side unique identifier, the CSHT, a server
side start host time (SSHT), a server-side end host time (SEHT), and a server
side running media play time (SRMPT). For example, the SSHT may comprise the time at which server-side playback starts. Optionally, to facilitate error detection, the server-side master application adds a server-side transmitted error code to one or more server-side messages or packets it sends to the client-side synchronization application. Block 555 then transfers control to block 560.
[00130] Next, in block 560, the client-side synchronization application receives
and processes the server-side message or packet and synchronizes one or more
clocks in the client-side synchronization application with one or more clocks in
the server-side master application. Alternatively, or additionally for the streaming
alternative, the client-side synchronization application loads into the client-side
player the customized media content playlist. Further details of how to perform
step 560 are given in Figure 13. Block 560 then transfers control to block 565.
[00131] Next, in block 565, the client-side synchronization application receives
a play command from the server-side master application. Block 565 then
transfers control to block 575.
[00132] Next, in block 575, the client-side synchronization application
processes the command to begin playback and begins playback. For example,
using the synchronized clocks, the client-side synchronization application plays
the customized media content in synchronization with a client-side playback
device. Block 575 then transfers control to block 580.
[00133] Finally, in block 580, the client-side synchronization application
disconnects from the server-side master application. For example, the client-side
synchronization application disconnects via the network from the server-side
master application. Block 580 then terminates the process.
[00134] FIGURE 6 is a flowchart of a method 600 for real-time customization
and synchronization of stock media content. FIGURE 6 applies to the download
and streaming method viewed from the server side.
[00135] The order of the steps in the method 600 is not constrained to that
shown in Figure 6 or described in the following discussion. Several of the steps
could occur in a different order without affecting the final result.
[00136] According to this method, which covers the first and second
alternative methods, the download and streaming methods, the server constructs
the customized media content. The client performs the synchronization of the
client-side playback with the server-side playback.
[00137] In block 605, a server-side master application receives over a network
from a client-side customization application a client-side message or packet
comprising stock media content received from a user, the client-side message or
packet further comprising customization preferences of the user obtained by the
client-side customization application, the customized media content to be played
by a client-side playback device in coordination with server-side playback of the
stock media content by a server-side playback device.
[00138] A user's customization preferences can be chosen by the user.
Alternatively, or additionally, the user's customization preferences can be
generated using user characteristics comprised in one or more of memory and
data storage. Block 605 then transfers control to block 615.
[00139] Next, in block 615, the server-side master application, using the
customization preferences of the user, customizes the stock media content, so as to create customized media content. For example, the server-side master application customizes the stock media content using a pre-defined data structure. For example, the pre-defined data structure structures the data in chronological order. For example, the pre-defined data structure structures the data according to a structure that does not comprise chronological order. Further details of how to perform step 615 are given in Figure 12. Block 615 then transfers control to block 620.
[00140] Next, in block 620, the server-side master application transmits the
customized media content to the client-side synchronization application.
[00141] For example, to communicate with the client-side synchronization
application, the server-side master application browses the network. The server
side master application then resolves the client-side synchronization application.
The server-side master application then connects via the network to the client
side synchronization application.
[00142] For the download alternative, the server-side synchronization
application downloads the customized media content to the client-side
synchronization application. Alternatively, for the streaming alternative, the
server-side synchronization application streams segments of the customized
media content to the client-side synchronization application. Block 620 then
transfers control to block 630.
[00143] Next, in block 630, the server-side master application receives from
the client-side synchronization application a client-side message or packet. The
client-side message or packet comprising one or more of a client-side unique identifier and a client-side start host time (CSHT). Block 630 then transfers control to block 655.
[00144] Next, in block 655, the server-side master application sends to the
client-side synchronization application a server-side message or packet
comprising one or more of a server-side unique identifier, the CSHT, a server
side start host time (SSHT), a server-side end host time (SEHT), and a server
side running media play time (SRMPT). For example, the SSHT may comprise
the time at which server-side playback starts. Block 655 then transfers control to
block 665.
[00145] Next, in block 665, the server-side master application initiates
playback by a server-side playback device of the stock media content, and the
server-side master application also initiates a playback of the customized media
content via a play command it sends to the client-side synchronization
application and begins playback of the stock media content that is substantially
synchronized using live streaming. For example, using the live streaming, the
server-side playback device plays the customized media content in
synchronization with the playback of the stock media content by a client-side
playback device.
[00146] Optionally, an additional step may be inserted here of preparing, by
the server-side computing device, one or more offers to the user to purchase
customized goods to be created by the server-side computing device using the
user's customization preferences. Optionally, if the preparing step is inserted, a
second additional step may be inserted after the step of preparing of processing an offer accepted by the user to purchase the customized goods prepared by the server-side computing device using the user's customization preferences; and creating, by the server-side computing device, the purchased customized goods.
For example, the customized goods comprise one or more of customized
physical goods, customized services, and customized media content. For
example, the customized goods comprise one or more of a user-specified name,
a user-specified message, and another form of customization specified by the
user.
[00147] Block 665 then terminates the process.
[00148] FIGURE 7 is a flowchart of a method 700 for real-time customization
and synchronization of stock media content. FIGURE 7 applies to the live
method viewed from the client side.
[00149] The order of the steps in the method 700 is not constrained to that
shown in Figure 7 or described in the following discussion. Several of the steps
could occur in a different order without affecting the final result.
[00150] According to this method, which covers the third alternative method,
the live method, the client-side customization application sends the user's
selection of the media content to the server-side customization application. The
server-side customization application then constructs the customized media
content and then streams the media content file for direct playback using a
substantially immediate streaming technology. For example, the streaming
technology comprises user datagram protocol (UDP). According to the live method, there is no need for synchronization of the client-side playback and the server-side playback, because the playback is substantially immediate.
[00151] In block 705, a client-side customization application receives a user's
selection of stock media content to be customized and played by a server-side
playback device in synchronization with server-side playback of the stock media
content by a server-side playback device. Block 705 then transfers control to
block 710.
[00152] Next, in block 710, the client-side customization application obtains
the user's customization preferences. A user's customization preferences can be
chosen by the user. Alternatively, or additionally, the user's customization
preferences can be generated using user characteristics comprised in one or
more of memory and data storage. Block 710 then transfers control to block 712.
[00153] Next, in block 712, the client-side synchronization application sends
to the server-side customization application a client-side message comprising
one or more of the user's customization preferences and the user's selection of
stock media content, for the server-side customization application to use to
construct the media content file, creating customized media content.
[00154] For example, to communicate with the server-side master application,
the client-side synchronization application browses the network. The client-side
synchronization application then resolves the master application. The client-side
synchronization application then connects via the network to the master
application. Block 712 then transfers control to block 723.
[00155] Next, in block 723, the client-side synchronization application receives the customized media content in a live stream from the server-side streaming application. Block 723 then transfers control to block 765.
[00156] Next, in block 765, the client-side synchronization application receives
a play command from the server-side master application to play the customized
media content. Block 765 then transfers control to block 775.
[00157] Next, in block 775, the client-side synchronization application
processes the command to begin playback of the customized media content and
a client-side playback device begins a playback via live streaming of the
customized media content that is substantially synchronized with a server-side
playback device's playback of the stock media content. Block 775 then
terminates the process.
[00158] FIGURE 8 is a flowchart of a method 800 for real-time customization
and synchronization of stock media content. FIGURE 8 applies to the live
method viewed from the server side.
[00159] The order of the steps in the method 800 is not constrained to that
shown in Figure 8 or described in the following discussion. Several of the steps
could occur in a different order without affecting the final result.
[00160] In block 805, a server-side master application receives over a network
from a client-side customization application a client-side message or packet
comprising stock media content received from a user, the client-side message or
packet further comprising customization preferences of the user obtained by the
client-side customization application, the customized media content to be played by a client-side playback device in coordination with server-side playback of the stock media content by a server-side playback device.
[00161] A user's customization preferences can be chosen by the user.
Alternatively, or additionally, the user's customization preferences can be
generated using user characteristics comprised in one or more of memory and
data storage. Block 805 then transfers control to block 815.
[00162] Next, in block 815, the server-side master application, using the
customization preferences of the user, customizes the stock media content, so
as to create customized media content. For example, the server-side master
application customizes the stock media content using a pre-defined data
structure. For example, the pre-defined data structure structures the data in
chronological order. For example, the pre-defined data structure structures the
data according to a structure that does not comprise chronological order. Further
details of how to perform step 815 are given in Figure 12. Block 815 then
transfers control to block 820.
[00163] Next, in block 820, the server-side master application live streams the
customized media content to the client-side synchronization application. For
example, the server-side master application live streams the customized media
content using user datagram protocol (UDP).
[00164] For example, to communicate with the client-side synchronization
application, the server-side master application browses the network. The server
side master application then resolves the client-side synchronization application.
The server-side master application then connects via the network to the client- side synchronization application. Block 820 then transfers control to block 830.
[00165] Next, in block 830, the server-side master application sends a play
command to the client-side synchronization application. Block 830 then transfers
control to block 855.
[00166] Next, in block 855, the server-side master application sends to the
client-side synchronization application a play command to play the customized
media content. Block 855 then transfers control to block 875.
[00167] Next, in block 875, the server-side master application initiates
playback by a server-side playback device of the stock media content, and the
server-side master application also initiates via a play command it sends to the
client-side synchronization application a substantially synchronized playback via
live streaming of the customized media content. Block 875 then terminates the
process.
[00168] FIGURE 9 is a flowchart of a more detailed method 900 by which the
client-side customization application, using a pre-defined data structure, using a
client-side main thread and a client-side background thread, constructs a media
content file comprising one or more of a user's selected media content and media
content that was not selected by the user. FIGURES 9 and 10 provide more
detail regarding sub-steps of step 315 in Figure 3 for the baseline method.
[00169] The order of the steps in the method 1000 is not constrained to that
shown in Figure 10 or described in the following discussion. Several of the steps
could occur in a different order without affecting the final result.
[00170] Figures 9 and 10 provide the steps of the baseline method, according
to which the client constructs the customized media content. According to the
baseline method, the client performs the synchronization of the client-side
playback with the server-side playback.
[00171] In block 905, in a client-side main thread, a client-side customization
application launches a client-side media player. For example, the client-side
main thread handles one or more actions relating to a graphical user interface
(GUI). Block 905 then transfers control to block 910.
[00172] Next, in block 910, the client-side customization application, in the
client-side main thread, selects a pre-determined media content. For example,
the pre-determined media content comprises one or more of dialog, music,
sound cues, scenes, partial scenes, visual cues, and other media content. The
client-side media player then plays the pre-determined media content. Block 910
then transfers control to block 915.
[00173] Next, in block 915, the client-side customization application, in the
client-side main thread, launches a client-side timer. The client-side timer
periodically requests from the server-side timer a total percentage of the then
written customized media content. For example, the total percentage output is
displayed to the user using a progress bar. Block 915 then transfers control to
block 920.
[00174] Next, in block 920, the client-side customization application, in the
client-side main thread, creates an asynchronous queue that launches a client
side background thread. The client-side background thread runs simultaneously with the client-side main thread. For example, the client-side background thread handles actions not handled by the client-side main thread. For example, the client-side background thread does not handle one or more GUI-related actions.
Block 920 then transfers control to block 925.
[00175] Next, in block 925, the client-side customization application, in the
client-side background thread, creates a customized media content that contains
data types. For example, the customized media content may be created from a
file in one or more of client-side data storage and client-side memory. For
example, data types may comprise one or more of audio sample rates, bits per
channel and other data types. Block 925 then transfers control to block 930.
[00176] Next, in block 930, the client-side customization application, in the
client-side background thread, using a pre-defined data structure, adds new
media content to the customized media content. For example, the client-side
customization application uses the pre-defined data structure to sequence the
new media content in the customized media content. The new media content
comprises one or more of user-selected new media content and non-user
selected new media content. For example, the new media content comprises
one or more of dialog, music, sound cues, scenes, partial scenes, visual cues,
and other media content. Block 930 then transfers control to block 935.
[00177] Next, in block 935, the client-side customization application, in the
client-side background thread, computes a total media frames count of the
customized media content. For example, the total media frames count equals the stored media frames count plus a media frames count of the new media content. Block 935 then transfers control to block 940.
[00178] Next, in block 940, the client-side timer, in the client-side main thread,
computes a total percentage of the then-written customized media content. For
example, the total percentage of the customized media content is equal to the
media frames count subtotal, divided by the total media frames count. Block 940
then transfers control to block 945.
[00179] Next, in block 945, the client-side customization application, in the
client-side background thread, writes the new media content into the customized
media content. It is queried whether the new media content comprises a final
element in the pre-defined data structure. If yes, the client-side customization
application, in the client-side background thread instructs the client-side main
thread to terminate operation of the client-side timer, and terminates the process.
If no, the process loops back to block 930.
[00180] Next, in block 950, the client-side customization application, in the
client-side background thread, when the processing of the customized media
content is substantially complete, instructs the client-side main thread to
terminate operation of the timer, and terminates the process.
[00181] Alternatively, or additionally, the loop between blocks 930 and 945
may be replaced with a concurrent queue operation for parallel processing,
which reads the media content in parallel, and then concatenates the media
content into a buffer.
[00182] FIGURE 10 is a flowchart of a method 1000 by which the client-side
customization application, using a pre-defined data structure, constructs a media
content file comprising one or more of a user's selected media content and media
content that was not selected by the user. FIGURE 10 provides more detail
regarding sub-steps of step 315 in Figure 3 for the baseline method.
[00183] The order of the steps in the method 1000 is not constrained to that
shown in Figure 10 or described in the following discussion. Several of the steps
could occur in a different order without affecting the final result.
[00184] Figure 10 provides the steps of the baseline method 1000, according
to which the client constructs the customized media content. According to the
baseline method 1000, the client performs the synchronization of the client-side
playback with the server-side playback.
[00185] In block 1005, a client-side customization application launches a
client-side media player. Block 1005 then transfers control to block 1010.
[00186] Next, in block 1010, the client-side customization application selects a
pre-determined media content. The client-side media player then plays the pre
determined media content. Block 1010 then transfers control to block 1025.
[00187] Next, in block 1025, the client-side customization application creates a
customized media content. Block 1025 then transfers control to block 1030.
[00188] Next, in block 1030, the client-side customization application adds
new media content to the customized media content. Block 1030 then transfers
control to block 1035.
[00189] Next, in block 1035, the client-side customization application
computes a total media frames count of the customized media content. Block
1035 then transfers control to block 1040.
[00190] Next, in block 1040, a client-side timer computes a total percentage of
the then-written customized media content. Block 1040 then transfers control to
block 1045.
[00191] Next, in block 1045, the client-side customization application writes
the new media content into the customized media content. It is queried whether
the new media content comprises a final element in the pre-defined data
structure. If yes, the client-side customization application, in the client-side
background thread instructs the client-side main thread to terminate operation of
the client-side timer, and terminates the process. If no, the process loops back to
block 1030.
[00192] Alternatively, or additionally, the loop between blocks 1030 and 1045
may be replaced with a concurrent queue operation for parallel processing,
which reads the media content in parallel, and then concatenates the media
content into a buffer.
[00193] FIGURE 11 is a flowchart of a more detailed method 1100 for
customizing stock media content, so as to create customized media content,
providing more detail from an overall view regarding sub-steps of step 615 in
Figure 6 for the download and streaming methods, and providing more detail
regarding sub-steps of step 815 in Figure 8 for the live method.
[00194] The order of the steps in the method 1100 is not constrained to that
shown in Figure 11 or described in the following discussion. Several of the steps
could occur in a different order without affecting the final result.
[00195] Turning now to the method 1100 for the download, streaming, and live
methods, in block 1105, in a client-side main thread, a client-side customization
application launches a client-side media player. For example, the client-side
main thread handles one or more actions relating to a graphical user interface
(GUI). Block 1105 then transfers control to block 1110.
[00196] Next, in block 1110, the client-side customization application, in the
client-side main thread, selects a pre-determined media content. For example,
the pre-determined media content comprises one or more of dialog, music,
sound cues, scenes, partial scenes, visual cues, and other media content. The
media player then plays the pre-determined media content. Block 1110 then
transfers control to block 1115.
[00197] Next, in block 1115, the client-side customization application, in the
client-side main thread, launches a client-side timer. The client-side timer
periodically requests from the server-side timer a total percentage of the then
written customized media content. For example, the total percentage output is
displayed to the user using a progress bar. Block 1115 then transfers control to
block 1117.
[00198] Next, in block 1117, the client-side customization application, in the
client-side main thread, sends a client-side message or packet to the server-side
customization application. For example, the client-side message or packet comprises one or more of a pre-determined media content, and a transmitted error code. Error code algorithms can be used to perform error detection. For example, one or more of a checksum and a longitudinal redundancy check can be used to perform the error check. Block 1117 then transfers control to block
1119.
[00199] Next, in block 1119, the client-side customization application sends a
message or packet with pre-determined media content to the server-side
customization application. Block 1119 then transfers control to block 1120.
[00200] Next, in block 1120, the server-side customization application, in the
server-side main thread, creates an asynchronous queue that launches a server
side background thread and server-side timer. The server-side background
thread runs simultaneously with the server-side main thread. For example, the
server-side background thread handles actions not handled by the server-side
main thread. For example, the server-side background thread does not handle
one or more GUI-related actions. Block 1120 then transfers control to block
1125.
[00201] Next, in block 1125, the server-side customization application, in the
server-side background thread, creates a customized media content that
contains data types. For example, the customized media content may be
created from a file in one or more of server-side data storage and server-side
memory. For example, data types may comprise one or more of audio sample
rates, bits per channel and other data types. Block 1125 then transfers control to
block 1130.
[00202] Next, in block 1130, the server-side customization application, in the
server-side background thread, using a pre-defined data structure, adds new
media content to the customized media content. For example, the server-side
customization application uses the pre-defined data structure to sequence the
new media content in the customized media content. The new media content
comprises one or more of user-selected new media content and non-user
selected new media content. For example, the new media content comprises
one or more of dialog, music, sound cues, scenes, partial scenes, visual cues,
and other media content. Block 1130 then transfers control to block 1135.
[00203] Next, in block 1135, the server-side customization application, in the
server-side background thread, computes a total media frames count of the
customized media content. For example, the total media frames count equals
the stored media frames count plus a media frames count of the new media
content. Block 1135 then transfers control to block 1140.
[00204] Next, in block 1140, the server-side timer, in the server-side main
thread, using the total media frames count, computes a total percentage of the
then-written customized media content. For example, the total percentage of the
customized media content is equal to the media frames count subtotal, divided
by the total media frames count. Block 1140 then transfers control to block 1145.
[00205] Next, in block 1145, the server-side customization application, in the
server-side background thread, writes the new media content into the customized
media content. It is queried whether the new media content comprises a final
element in the pre-defined data structure. If yes, the server-side customization application, in the server-side background thread instructs the server-side main thread to terminate operation of the client-side timer, and terminates the process.
If no, the process loops back to block 1130.
[00206] Next, in block 1150, the server-side customization application, in the
server-side background thread, when the processing of the customized media
content is substantially complete, instructs the server-side main thread to
terminate operation of the timer, and terminates the process.
[00207] Alternatively, or additionally, the loop between blocks 1130 and 1145
may be replaced with a concurrent queue operation for parallel processing,
which reads the media content in parallel, and then concatenates the media
content into a buffer.
[00208] FIGURE 12 is a flowchart for a method 1200 for customizing stock
media content, so as to create customized media content, pursuant to a method
for real-time customization and synchronization of stock media content providing
more detail from the server side regarding sub-steps of step 615 in Figure 6 for
the download and streaming methods, and providing more detail regarding sub
steps of step 815 in Figure 8 for the live method.
[00209] The order of the steps in the method 1200 is not constrained to that
shown in Figure 12 or described in the following discussion. Several of the steps
could occur in a different order without affecting the final result.
[00210] In block 1205, a server-side customization application receives from a
client-side customization application a pre-determined media content. Block
1205 then transfers control to block 1217.
[00211] Next, in block 1217, the server-side customization application receives
from the client-side customization application a client-side message or packet
with pre-determined media content. Block 1217 then transfers control to block
1219 to block 1225.
[00212] Next, in block 1225, the server-side customization application creates
a customized media content. Block 1225 then transfers control to block 1230.
[00213] Next, in block 1230, the server-side customization application, using a
pre-defined data structure, adds new media content to the customized media
content. For example, the server-side customization application uses the pre
defined data structure to sequence the new media content in the customized
media content. The new media content comprises one or more of user-selected
new media content and non-user-selected new media content. Block 1230 then
transfers control to block 1235.
[00214] Next, in block 1235, the server-side customization application
computes a total media frames count of the customized media content. For
example, the total media frames count equals the stored media frames count
plus a media frames count of the new media content. Block 1235 then transfers
control to block 1240.
[00215] Next, in block 1240, the server-side timer, in the server-side main
thread, using the total media frames count, computes a total percentage of the
then-written customized media content. For example, the total percentage of the
customized media content is equal to the media frames count subtotal, divided
by the total media frames count. Block 1240 then transfers control to block 1245.
[00216] Next, in block 1245, the server-side customization application, in the
server-side background thread, writes the new media content into the customized
media content. It is queried whether the new media content comprises a final
element in the pre-defined data structure. If yes, the server-side customization
application, in the server-side background thread instructs the server-side main
thread to terminate operation of the client-side timer, and terminates the process.
If no, the process loops back to block 1230.
[00217] Next, in block 1250, the server-side customization application, in the
server-side background thread, when the processing of the customized media
content is substantially complete, instructs the server-side main thread to
terminate operation of the timer, and terminates the process.
[00218] Alternatively, or additionally, the loop between blocks 1230 and 1245
may be replaced with a concurrent queue operation for parallel processing,
which reads the media content in parallel, and then concatenates the media
content into a buffer.
[00219] FIGURE 13 is a flowchart of a method 1300 for constructing a
customized media content comprising stock media content selected by a user
and customization preferences of the user pursuant to a method for real-time
customization and synchronization of stock media content. FIGURE 13 provides
more detail regarding sub-steps of step 345 in Figure 3 for the baseline method,
step 545 in Figure 5 for the download and streaming methods, and step 745 in
Figure 7 for the live method.
[00220] The order of the steps in the method 1300 is not constrained to that
shown in Figure 13 or described in the following discussion. Several of the steps
could occur in a different order without affecting the final result.
[00221] In block 1305, the server-side master application receives a client-side
message or packet from the client-side synchronization application. The client
side message or packet comprises one or more of a unique identifier and a
client-side start host time (CSHT). Optionally, the client-side message or packet
further comprises a client-side transmitted error code. Error code algorithms can
be used to perform error detection. For example, one or more of a checksum
and a longitudinal redundancy check can be used to perform the error check.
Block 1305 then transfers control to block 1310.
[00222] In block 1310, the server-side master application reads the client-side
message or packet into one or more server-side buffers. That is, the server-side
master application breaks the client-side message or packet into one or more
pieces, with each piece corresponding to a data type. Then at least one of the
one or more pieces is stored by the server-side master application in a server
side buffer. For example, the unique identifier may be stored in a first server-side
buffer. For example, the client-side start host time may be stored in a second
server-side buffer. For example, the client-side transmitted error code may be
stored in a third server-side buffer. For example, other components of the client
side message or packet may be stored in other server-side buffers. For
example, some of the server-side buffers may be coterminous. For example, all the server-side buffers may be coterminous. Block 1310 then transfers control to block 1315.
[00223] In block 1315, the server-side master application records a server
side start host time (SSHT).
[00224] For example, the time measurement may comprise a timestamp. For
example, the real world time may comprise a seconds field representing an
integral number of seconds. For example, the real world time may further
comprise a microseconds field representing an additional number of
microseconds elapsed in addition to the integral number of seconds. For
example, the host time measurement represents the number of seconds elapsed
since the start of the UNIX epoch at midnight Coordinated Universal Time (UTC)
December 31, 1969-January 1, 1970. Block 1315 then transfers control to block
1320.
[00225] Next, in block 1320, the server-side master application evaluates the
integrity of the client-side message or packet.
[00226] Preferably, but not essentially, the server-side master application
evaluates the integrity of the client-side message or packet by comparing the
CSHT and the server-side start host time (SSHT). If the CSHT is substantially
equal to the SSHT, the server-side master application verifies integrity of the
client-side message or packet. If the CSHT is not substantially equal to the
SSHT, the server-side master application verifies a lack of integrity of the client
side message or packet.
[00227] Optionally, or additionally, the server-side master application
evaluates the integrity of the client-side message or packet by calculating a
client-side received error code for the client-side message or packet, and then
the server-side master application compares the client-side received error code
with the client-side transmitted error code comprised in the client-side message
or packet.
[00228] If the calculated client-side received error code is substantially equal
to the client-side transmitted error code, the server-side master application
verifies integrity of the client-side message or packet. If the calculated client-side
received error code is not substantially equal to the client-side transmitted error
code, the server-side master application verifies a lack of integrity of the client
side message or packet.
[00229] If the server-side master application verifies a lack of integrity of the
client-side message or packet, the server-side master application deletes the
client-side message or packet and sends a message to the client-side
synchronization application to request transmission of a replacement client-side
message or packet. The process loops back to step 1305.
[00230] If the server-side master application verifies the integrity of the client
side message or packet, the server-side master application accepts the client
side message or packet. Block 1320 transfers control to block 1325.
[00231] Next, in block 1325, the server-side master application records a
server-side running media play time (SRMPT). If no customized media content is being played by the server-side media player, the SRMPT is set to zero. Block
1325 then transfers control to block 1330.
[00232] Next, in block 1330, the server-side master application creates a
server-side message or packet. The server-side message or packet comprises
one or more of a unique identifier, the CSHT, the SSHT, a server-side end host
time (SEHT), and the SRMPT of the media being played. Optionally, to facilitate
error detection, the server-side master application adds a server-side transmitted
error code to one or more server-side messages it sends to the client-side
synchronization application. Block 1330 then terminates the process.
[00233] FIGURE 14 is a flowchart of a method for receiving and processing a
server-side message or packet and synchronizing one or more clocks in a client
side synchronization application with one or more clocks in a server-side master
application pursuant to a method for real-time customization and synchronization
of stock media content. FIGURE 14 provides more detail regarding sub-steps of
step 360 in Figure 3 for the baseline method, and step 560 in Figure 5 for the
download and streaming methods. Synchronization is not required with the live
method.
[00234] The order of the steps in the method 1400 is not constrained to that
shown in Figure 14 or described in the following discussion. Several of the steps
could occur in a different order without affecting the final result.
[00235] In block 1405, the client-side synchronization application receives a
server-side message or packet from the server-side master application. The
server-side message or packet comprises one or more of a client-side unique identifier, a client-side start host time (CSHT), a server-side start host time
(SSHT), a server-side end host time (SEHT), and a server-side running media
play time (SRMPT). Optionally, the server-side message or packet further
comprises a server-side transmitted error code. Error code algorithms can be
used to perform error detection. For example, one or more of a checksum and a
longitudinal redundancy check can be used to perform the error check. Block
1405 then transfers control to block 1410.
[00236] In block 1410, the client-side synchronization application reads the
server-side message or packet into one or more client-side buffers. That is, the
client-side synchronization application breaks the server-side message or packet
into one or more pieces, with each piece corresponding to a data type. Then at
least one of the one or more pieces is stored in a client-side buffer. For example,
the client-side unique identifier may be stored in a first client-side buffer. For
example, the CSHT may be stored in a second client-side buffer. For example,
the SSHT may be stored in a third client-side buffer. For example, the SEHT
may be stored in a fourth client-side buffer. For example, the SRMPT may be
stored in a fifth client-side buffer. For example, the server-side transmitted error
code may be stored in a sixth client-side buffer. For example, other server-side
message or packet components may be stored in other client-side buffers. For
example, some of the buffers may be coterminous. For example, all the buffers
maybecoterminous. Block 1410 then transfers control to block 1415.
[00237] In block 1415, the client-side synchronization application records a
CEHT. The CEHT is defined as a host time at which transmission of a server- side message or packet ends on the client side. For example, the CEHT may comprise the time at which server-side playback stops. The CEHT is the world value time that the client-side synchronization application records based on the client-side synchronization application's host time.
[00238] For example, the time measurement may comprise a timestamp. For
example, the real world time may comprise a seconds field representing an
integral number of seconds. For example, the real world time may further
comprise a microseconds field representing an additional number of
microseconds elapsed in addition to the integral number of seconds. For
example, the host time measurement represents the number of seconds elapsed
since the start of the UNIX epoch at midnight Coordinated Universal Time (UTC)
December 31, 1969-January 1, 1970. Block 1415 then transfers control to block
1420.
[00239] Next, in block 1420, the client-side synchronization application
evaluates the integrity of the server-side message or packet.
[00240] Preferably, but not essentially, the client-side synchronization
application evaluates the integrity of the server-side message or packet by
comparing the CEHT and the SEHT. If the CEHT is substantially equal to the
SEHT, the client-side master application verifies integrity of the server-side
message or packet. If the CEHT is not substantially equal to the SEHT, the
client-side master application verifies a lack of integrity of the server-side
message or packet.
[00241] Then the client-side synchronization application compares the client
side received error code with the server-side transmitted error code received in
the server-side message or packet.
[00242] Optionally, or additionally, the client-side synchronization application
evaluates the integrity of the server-side message or packet by calculating a
server-side received error code for the server-side message or packet, and then
the client-side synchronization application compares the server-side received
error code with the server-side transmitted error code comprised in the server
side message or packet.
[00243] If the calculated server-side received error code is substantially equal
to the server-side transmitted error code, the client-side synchronization
application verifies integrity of the server-side message or packet. If the
calculated server-side received error code is not substantially equal to the server
side transmitted error code, the client-side synchronization application verifies a
lack of integrity of the server-side message or packet.
[00244] Optionally, or additionally, the client-side synchronization application
evaluates the integrity of the server-side message or packet by comparing the
client-side unique identifier with the client device unique identifier.
[00245] If the client-side unique identifier is substantially equal to the client
device identifier, the client-side synchronization application verifies integrity of the
server-side message or packet. If the client-side unique identifier is not
substantially equal to the client device identifier, to the server-side transmitted error code, the client-side synchronization application verifies a lack of integrity of the server-side message or packet.
[00246] If the client-side synchronization application verifies a lack of integrity
of the server-side message or packet, the client-side synchronization application
deletes the server-side message or packet and sends a message to the client
side synchronization application to request transmission of a replacement server
side message or packet. The process loops back to step 1405.
[00247] If the client-side synchronization application verifies the integrity of the
server-side message or packet, the client-side synchronization application
accepts the server-side message or packet. Block 1420 transfers control to
block 1435.
[00248] Next, in block 1435, using one or more of the CEHT, CSHT, SEHT,
and SSHT, the client-side synchronization application then calculates a half
round-trip time. The round-trip time is equal to the time it takes a signal to leave
from the client-side synchronization application, arrive at the server-side master
application, be received by the server-side master application, be retransmitted
by the server-side master application, and arrive back at the client-side
synchronization application. For example, the round-trip time RT may be
calculated according to equation (1) as:
[00249] (1) RT = (CEHT - CSHT) - (SEHT - SSHT).
[00250] Where the server-side processor is faster than a minimal time, for
example, where the server-side processor is faster than a playback
synchronizing error threshold time, the difference (SEHT minus SSHT) may be negligible. In these cases, the round-trip time RT may be calculated according to equation (2) as:
[00251] (2) RT = CEHT - CSHT.
[00252] Optionally, one or more server-side messages or packets is
encrypted. Optionally, one or more client-side messages or packets is
encrypted.
[00253] The client-side synchronization application then computes a half
round-trip time HRT by multiplying the round-trip time RT by 0.5, according to
equation (3):
[00254] (3) HIRT = 0.5 * RT
[00255] Block 1435 then transfers control to block 1440.
[00256] Next, in block 1440, the client-side synchronization application reads
the value of SRMPT. For example, the client-side synchronization application
reads from the fifth client-side buffer the value of the SRMPT. Block 1440 then
transfers control to block 1445.
[00257] Next, in block 1445, using one or more of CEHT, CSHT, SEHT,
SSHT, SRMPT, and HRT, the client-side synchronization application calculates a
playback offset time Tpo. The playback offset time Tpo is defined as the time
increment by which media playback at the client-side should be speeded up
relative to media playback at the server-side to synchronize the server-side
media and the client-side media.
[00258] The playback offset time Tpo may be defined as the timing difference
between client-side playback and server-side playback. The playback offset time
Tpo may be calculated according to equation (4):
[00259] (4) Tpo = HRT + BD,
[00260] where BD is buffer size delays caused by inadequate sizing of one or
more of the client-size buffers. Buffer size delays may be safely ignored if they
are sufficiently small.
[00261] Block 1445 then transfers control to block 1450.
[00262] In block 1450, using one or more of the computed playback offset time
Tpo and the SRMPT, the client-side synchronization application then computes a
client-side running media play time (CRMPT). The CRMPT is defined as the
elapsed running time for the media content that is being played by the media
player on the client. For example, the client-side synchronization application
calculates the CRMPT according to equation (5):
[00263] (5) CRMPT = SRMPT + Tpo.
[00264] Alternatively, or additionally, the client-side synchronization application
makes multiple requests in parallel to the server-side master application. Then,
using one or more of statistical analysis and machine learning algorithms, the
client-side synchronization application estimates the value of the CRMPT. Block
1450 then transfers control to block 1455.
[00265] Next, in block 1455, using one or more of the computed CRMPT and
the computed playback offset time Tpo, the client-side synchronization
application synchronizes client-side playback of customized media content with server-side playback of stock media content. For example, the client-side synchronization application adjusts the playback to synchronize the client-side synchronization application to the client-side playback device. For example, the client-side synchronization application adjusts the playback to synchronize the client-side synchronization application to the client-side playback device by offsetting the playback time of the client-side media player by the playback offset time Tpo.
[00266] Alternatively, for example, a single system call can be used to
calculate the playback offset time offset time Tpo. Alternatively, multiple systems
calls may be performed to improve accuracy. For example, accuracy may be
improved via one or more of linear regression, a sum of averages, a technique
for evaluating statistical significance, a machine learning algorithm, and the like.
[00267] One or more of automatic re-synchronization and manual re
synchronization may be performed as needed. For example, after a while the
clock may drift, meaning that one or more of a stream and a download of the
media content that starts out synchronized may gradually become de
synchronized. In such cases, resynchronization may be performed by one or
more of manual execution and automatic execution of a re-synchronization of the
client-side synchronization application in the client-side synchronization
application with the server-side master application in the server-side master
application.
[00268] The client-side synchronization application may request at random or
at pre-determined time intervals the player's synchronization time on the server- side master application in the server-side computing device. If there is a difference of more than a pre-determined offset, the client device will vary the rate of the playback until the drift is corrected. In another embodiment, a digital signal-processing algorithm may be used to time compress or stretch the playback. Block 1455 then terminates the process.
[00269] FIGURES 15A and 15B are a first screenshot 1505 and a second
screenshot 1510 of a GUI of a client device showing examples of screens initially
displayed to a user prior to initiation of one or more of a customization and
synchronization.
[00270] In FIGURE 15A, a Sign-up button 1513 allows the user to create an
account on the system. The first screenshot 1505 shows a customization and
synchronization menu 1512, showing the main customization and
synchronization options the user will have. The user may be presented this
customization and synchronization menu 1512 when the user wishes to
customize media content using a Customization button 1515. The customization
and synchronization menu 1512 comprises the Sign-up button 1513, a
Customization button 1515, a Kid's Customization button 1520, s Saved
Customization button 1525, an English/Default Language button 1530, a Spanish
Language button 1535, a French Language button 1540, a Director button 1545,
a Producer button 1550, an Actor button 1555, a Writer button 1560, a
Commercials button 1565, a Trailers button 1570, a Demo 1 button 1575, a
Demo 2 button 1580, a Survey button 1585, a Store button 1587, and a first
Custom Motion picture button 1588. Other language buttons could be included in addition to or in place of one or more of the Spanish Language Button 1535 and the French Language button 1540. A language other than English could be selected as the Default Language on the English/Default Language button 1530.
[00271] The Customization button 1515 allows the user to customize media
content. The Customization button 1515 further allows the user to lock the
customized media content to a client media player. For example, the user locks
the customized media content to the client media player by creating a unique
login and password for the media player. The Kid's Customization button 1520
allows the child user to customize media content consistent with limits previously
designated by an adult. The Kid's Customization button 1520 further allows the
user to lock the customized media content to a client media player. For example,
the user locks the customized media content to the client media player by
creating a unique login and password for the media player. The Saved
Customization button 1525 allows the user to retrieve and play his previously
customized media content without needing to re-render new customized media
content choices despite having exited the client media player before returning to
the menu.
[00272] The English/Default Language button 1530 provides an audio track
media player in one or more of the English language and a default language that
synchronizes to the client device. The Spanish button 1535 provides an audio
track media player in the Spanish language that synchronizes to the client
device. The French button 1540 provides an audio track media player in the
Spanish language that synchronizes to the client device. Additional language buttons (not pictured) can be added or deleted based, for instance, on one or more of a user's account information, a rating of the media content, a time zone location, regional language usage, and other factors.
[00273] A director-based media track is played if the user presses the Director
button 1545. For example, a director-based media track is played discussing the
work of a Director of the media track. For example, a director-based media track
is played featuring one or more interviews with a Director of the media track. For
example, a director-based audio track is played if the user presses the Director
button 1545. For example, a director-based video track is played if the user
pressed the Director button 1545. For example, a director-based audio track
media player is played if the user presses the Director button 1545. For
example, the director-based audio track media player is synchronized to the
client device and is played if the user presses the Director button 1545.
[00274] A producer-based media track is played if the user presses the
Producer button 1550. For example, a producer-based media track is played
discussing the work of a Producer of the media track. For example, a producer
based media track is played featuring one or more interviews with a Producer of
the media track. For example, a producer-based audio track is played if the user
presses the Producer button 1550. For example, a producer-based video track is
played if the user pressed the Producer button 1550. For example, a producer
based audio track media player is played if the user presses the Producer button
1550. For example, the producer-based audio track media player is synchronized to the client device and is played if the user presses the Producer button 1550.
[00275] An actor-based media track is played if the user presses the Actor
button 1555. For example, a actor-based media track is played discussing the
work of a Actor of the media track. For example, an actor-based media track is
played featuring one or more interviews with a Actor of the media track. For
example, an actor-based audio track is played if the user presses the Actor
button 1555. For example, a actor-based video track is played if the user
pressed the Actor button 1555. For example, the actor-based audio track media
player is played if the user presses the Actor button 1555. For example, the
actor-based audio track media player is synchronized to the client device and is
played if the user presses the Actor button 1555.
[00276] A writer-based media track is played if the user presses the Writer
button 1560. For example, a writer-based media track is played discussing the
work of a Writer of the media track. For example, a writer-based media track is
played featuring one or more interviews with a Writer of the media track. For
example, a writer-based audio track is played if the user presses the Writer
button 1560. For example, a writer-based video track is played if the user
pressed the Writer button 1560. For example, a writer-based audio track media
player is played if the user presses the Writer button 1560. For example, the
writer-based audio track media player is synchronized to the client device and is
played if the user presses the Writer button 1560.
[00277] Clearly other buttons could be created such as a Costume Designer
button (not shown), a Cinematographer button (not shown), and the like.
Moreover, additional commentary buttons might be added or deleted based on,
for instance, one or more of a user's selection of the name of an artist who
worked on the media content, a user's account information, a rating of the media
content, a user's time zone location, a user's regional language usage, and the
like. For example, a rating of the media content comprises one or more of a
rating by the Motion Picture Association of America, a violence content advisory
level, a TV Parental Guideline, a sexual content advisory, and another rating of
the media content.
[00278] Turning now to Figure 15B, if the Commercials button 1565 is pressed
by the user, the Commercials button 1565 will trigger the client device 120 to
provide a media player that will play commercial content. For example, the
commercial content may be related to the custom media being played. For
example, if the custom media comprises an animated film, the commercial
content may relate to a stuffed animal modeled after the film's main character.
For example, if the custom media comprises a film, the commercial content may
comprise a Digital Versatile Disc (DVD) of one or more of the film, a previous film
by the same director, and a previous film featuring one of the same actors.
Alternatively, or additionally, the custom media comprises unique media content
related to the user based on one or more of the user's account information, a
rating of the media content, a time zone location, regional language usage, and
other factors.
[00279] If the Trailers button 1570 is pressed by the user, the Trailers button
1570 will trigger the client device 120 to provide a media player that will play
trailer content. For example, the commercial content may be related to the
custom media being played. For example, if the custom media comprises an
animated film, the commercial content may relate to a stuffed animal modeled
after the film's main character. For example, if the custom media comprises a
film, the commercial content may comprise a Digital Versatile Disc (DVD) of one
or more of the film, a previous film by the same director, and a previous film
featuring one of the same actors. Alternatively, or additionally, the custom media
comprises unique media content related to the user based on one or more of the
user's account information, a rating of the media content, a time zone location,
regional language usage, and other factors.
[00280] If the Demo 1 button 1575 is pressed by the user, the Demo 1 button
1575 will trigger the client device 120 to provide a media player that will play first
demo content. For example, the first demo content comprises one or more of a
demonstration regarding a technical breakthrough, a behind-the-scenes short
film regarding the making of a motion picture, an outtakes reel, a documentary
about a topic relating to the motion picture, and another demo.
[00281] If the Demo 2 button 1580 is pressed by the user, the Demo 2 button
1580 will trigger the client device to provide a media player that will play second
demo content. For example, the second demo content comprises one or more of
a demonstration regarding a technical breakthrough, a behind-the-scenes short film regarding the making of a motion picture, an outtakes reel, a documentary about a topic relating to the motion picture, and another demo.
[00282] If the Survey button 1585 is pressed by the user, the Survey button
1585 will trigger the client-side audience measurement application to provide a
survey interface in which the user is invited to participate. Alternatively, or
additionally, if the Survey button 1585 is pressed by the user, the Survey button
1585 will trigger the client-side audience measurement application to provide a
customized survey interface that is customized based on one or more survey
preferences. Survey preferences comprise one or more of a user's account
information, a rating of the media content, a time zone location, regional
language usage, and other survey preferences. For example, if the user selects
a dog in the customization process, a survey could be presented regarding dogs.
[00283] If the Store button 1587 is pressed by the user, the Store button 1587
will trigger the client device to display store information about a store. For
example, the store may sell one or more of compact discs (CD's), DVD's,
downloads, views, and other formats of on-sale media. The on-sale media may
comprise one or more of the media currently being viewed, DVD's of other media
directed by one or more of the same directors who directed the media being
viewed, DVD's of other media produced by one of the same producers who
produced in the media being viewed, DVD's of other media with one or more of
the same actors acting in the media being viewed, DVD's of other media with one
or more of the same writers who wrote the media being viewed, and the like. For
example, the store may sell a stuffed animal depicting character that appears in the media being viewed. For example, the store may sell one or more of an electronic book (e-book), a paper book, and an audio book about the making of the media being viewed. For example, the store may sell one or more of an electronic book (e-book), a paper book, and an audio book telling the story told by the media being viewed.
[00284] If the first Custom Motion picture button 1588 is pressed by the user,
the first Custom Motion picture button 1588 will trigger the client device to display
Custom Motion picture information about options for purchasing a Custom Motion
picture that the user customizes.
[00285] If the About button 1590 is pressed by the user, the About button 1590
will trigger the client device to display information about the system. For
example, the displayed information comprises one or more of a system name, a
system creation date, a system version, one or more system privacy agreements,
one or more system warranties, a last day and time that the system was
accessed by the user, and other system information.
[00286] If the Legal button 1595 is pressed by the user, the Legal button 1595
will trigger the client device to display legal information. For example, the
displayed information comprises one or more of a contact name and address for
service of process, a contact name and address for an attorney, a designation of
a jurisdiction in which a lawsuit may be brought, a specification whether or not
binding mediation is to be pursued instead of litigation, and other legal
information.
[00287] FIGURE 16 is an exemplary screenshot of a graphical user interface
(GUI) 1605 of a client device in a networked environment where the client device
displays extracted media content 1605 that is taken from digital media content
1610 to be inserted into a custom media track 1615. For example, as shown in
the figure, the digital media content 1610 can be a motion picture 1610. For
example, as shown in the figure, the custom media track 1615 can be a
soundtrack 1615. The GUI 1605 receives the user's selection of a derivative
media content 1620 to be inserted into the extracted media content 1605. For
example, the derivative media content 1620 comprises a custom identifier 1620.
For example, the derivative media content 1620 comprises media that are
recorded, stored in a database, and pulled from the database to be added into
the custom soundtrack 1615 upon selection by the user. For example, as shown
in the figure, the custom identifier 1620 is Girl's Name. The user selects the
custom identifier 1620 from a custom identifier list 1625. For example, as shown
in the figure, the custom identifier list 1625 comprises Girl's Name, Your Pet,
Character One, Character Two, and Character Three. In actual operation,
Characters One, Two, and Three would be respectively replaced with the names
of a first, second, and third character from the extracted media content 1605.
Similarly, if already known, Girl's Name and Your Pet would be respectively
replaced with the actual name of the girl user and with the actual name of the
user's pet.
[00288] FIGURE 17 is an exemplary screenshot of a graphical user interface
(GUI) 1705 of a client device that displays an example of how the GUI receives the user's selection of a custom identifier to be inserted into a custom media track. The GUI 1705 may receive the user's selection of a custom identifier
1710 from a custom identifier list 1715. For example, as shown in the figure, the
custom identifier 1710 selected by the user is Rose. For example, as shown in
the figure, the custom identifier list 1715 comprises Default, Flower, Petal, Rose,
Amgolia, and Coral.
[00289] The custom identifier 1715 selected by the user is then imported as
selected custom identifier 1720 in the custom identifier master list 1725. For
example, as shown in the figure, other custom identifiers 1720 previously
selected by other users and comprised in the custom identifier master list 1725
include Diane, Bambie, Augusto, and Triceps, as well as Rose. The user then
presses the Proceed button 1730 to proceed with customization of the custom
media track.
[00290] FIGURE 18 is an exemplary screenshot of a GUI 1805 of a client
device showing an example of a Backdrop screen 1805 seen by a user while
processing of data is being performed. After the user clicks the Proceed button,
the Backdrop screen 1805 automatically appears. The processing text and bar
1820 indicates that processing is occurring. While processing is occurring, a
Backdrop 1825 is shown on the Backdrop screen 1805. The Backdrop 1825
comprises one or more of text, media, and another backdrop format. The
processing of the selected data is in real-time and quick, currently less than
approximately ten seconds. For example, the Backdrop 1825 comprises an advertisement. For example, as shown here, the Backdrop 1825 can be a photo still from the motion picture.
[00291] Once the processing is complete, the client device automatically
transfers the user to a customized player screen such as the one shown in
FIGURE 19. Additionally, or alternatively, the processing of the user's selection
of a custom identifier happens so rapidly in real time that the user does not see
the track processing screen.
[00292] FIGURE 19 is an exemplary screenshot of a GUI 1905 of a client
device showing an example of a customized player screen 1905. The
customized player screen 1905 is synchronized with the customized soundtrack.
Depicted in FIGURE 19 is a screenshot of a customized character. When a user
pushes a Play button 1920, a Presentation 1925 begins to play in
synchronization with the customized soundtrack. The Presentation 1925
comprises one or more of text, media, and another presentation format. A
Volume slider 1930 allows the user to adjust the audio volume. The Play button
1920 will switch its appearance to instead appear as a Stop button (not pictured)
if the user indicates that he wants to stop the playback by, for example, clicking
on the play button 1920. When the user wants to exit the player, the user clicks
the Done button 1940.
[00293] FIGURE 20 is an exemplary screenshot of a GUI 2005 of a client
device showing an example of a login screen for a children's application. If the
Kid's Customization button 1520 in FIGURE 15 is clicked, this is the GUI 2005
that is shown next.
[00294] The child clicks on the screen of the GUI 2005 to draw up the
children's login box 2010. The children's login box 2010 comprises a password
box 2020, an OK button 2025, and a cancel button 2030. A parent or guardian
uses a keyboard 2035 to type into the password box 2020 a previously created
Password. This allows the parent or guardian to limit the child's access. To
allow Kid's Customization, the guardian must click the OK button 2025 after
entering the Password into the password box 2020. The GUI then displays a
customized player screen as shown in FIGURE 19 with the added Kid's
Customization functionality.
[00295] FIGURE 21 is an exemplary screenshot of a GUI 2105 of a client
device showing an example of a player resumption screen 2105. Should a user
exit a Player screen prematurely (by inadvertently pressing the Done button 1940
in FIGURE 19), the user can resume without having to input elements again by
selecting the Saved button 2110, which replicates the content of the Saved
Customization button 1525 in FIGURE 15. Once the Saved button 2110 is
pressed, the client device automatically transfers the user to the player
resumption screen 2105.
[00296] FIGURE 22 is an exemplary screenshot of a GUI 2205 of a client
device showing an example of a Background Screen 2205 seen by a user prior
to initiation of play of media. For example, the Background Screen 2205
comprises one or more of a background visual screen, background audio, and
another background media.
[00297] The Background Screen 2205 comprises a language indicator button
2210 that indicates the language the user previously selected using the
customization and synchronization menu 1512 in FIGURE 15. For example, as
shown here, the language indicator button 2210 indicates that the previously
selected language is Spanish. The customization and synchronization menu
1512 in FIGURE 15 allowed for additional language choices. For example, in
FIGURE 15, the user previously selected a preferred language from an
English/Default Language button 1530, a Spanish Language button 1535, and a
French Language button 1540. Optionally, the user is allowed to now change his
or her prior language selection if he or she clicks on the language indicator
button 2210 and chooses a new language from a pop-up menu (not shown) or
another language selection mechanism (not shown).
[00298] Until the user initiates play of the media, a Background Visual 2215 is
shown on the Background Screen 2205. The Background Visual 2215
comprises one or more of text, media, and another background visual format.
For example, the Background Visual 2215 comprises an advertisement. For
example, as shown here, the backdrop comprises a promotional photograph from
the film. Alternatively, or additionally, the backdrop comprises commercial
content related to what is being played on the motion picture theater screen. For
example, the Background Visual 2215 comprises one or more advertisements.
For example, the advertisement is static. For example, the advertisement is
dynamic. For example, the Background Visual 2215 comprises an offer to
purchase an item seen in the motion picture. For example, the Background
Visual 2215 comprises one or more interactive elements. For example, the
Background Visual 2215 comprises a button (not pictured) configured, when
pressed by the user, to take the user to another part of the application. For
example, the Background Visual 2215 comprises a button (not pictured)
configured, when pressed by the user, to take the user to an external resource.
For example, the external resource comprises one or more of a store, a social
network, a box office, and another external resource. For example, the store
comprises one or more of a store operated by a service provider and a store
operated by a third party. For example, the user might be taken to a theater
box office in order to order tickets for a future film.
[00299] The user may tap, actuate, press or otherwise activate the "Play"
button 2220 to initiate playback. Alternatively, or additionally, the "Play" button is
automatically triggered by the application. The playback may provide one or
more of audio, video, and another form of playback. For example, the playback
could provide closed captions. A Volume slider 2230 allows the user to adjust
the audio volume.
[00300] FIGURE 23 is an exemplary screenshot of a GUI 2305 of a client
device showing an example of an alternative commentary screen 2305 seen by a
user as an alternative commentary track is being played. The Alternative
Commentary Screen 2305 comprises an alternative commentary track indicator
2310 that indicates the alternative commentary track the user previously selected
using the customization and synchronization menu 1512 in FIGURE 15. In this example, the user pressed the Director button 1545, selecting the director-based media track 2310.
[00301] The customization and synchronization menu 1512 in FIGURE 15
allowed for selection of the alternative commentary track 2310. For example, in
FIGURE 15, if the user pressed the Director button 1545, an alternative
commentary track 2310 comprising a director-based media track 2310 is played.
For example, the director-based media track 2310 is played discussing the work
of a Director of the media track. For example, the director-based media track
2310 is played featuring one or more interviews with a Director of the media
track. For example, the director-based audio track 2310 is played if the user
pressed the Director button 1545. For example, the director-based video track
2310 is played if the user pressed the Director button 1545. For example, the
director-based audio track 2310 media player is played if the user pressed the
Director button 1545. For example, the director-based audio track media player
is synchronized to the client device and is played if the user pressed the Director
button 1545.
[00302] Optionally, the user is allowed to now change his or her alternative
commentary track selection if he or she clicks on the director button 2310 and
chooses a new alternative commentary track 2310 from a pop-up menu (not
shown) or another language selection mechanism (not shown).
[00303] If from the customization and synchronization menu 1512 in FIGURE
15, the user had pressed the Producer button 1550, an alternative commentary
track 2310 comprising a producer-based media track 2310 is played. If from the customization and synchronization menu 1512 in FIGURE 15, the user had pressed the Actor button 1555, an alternative commentary track 2310 comprising an actor-based media track 2310 is played. If from the customization and synchronization menu 1512 in FIGURE 15, the user had pressed the Writer button 1555, an alternative commentary track 2310 comprising a writer-based media track 2310 is played. As mentioned in the discussion of FIGURE 15, clearly other buttons could be created such as a Costume Designer button, a
Cinematographer button (not shown), and the like.
[00304] FIGURE 24 is an exemplary screenshot of a GUI 2405 of a client
device showing an example of an Alternative Content Screen 2405 seen by a
user before alternative content plays. For example, the Alternative Content
Screen 2405 comprises one or more of a commercial, a trailer, a documentary,
an outtake, and another form of alternative content. For example, the alternative
content is pre-determined by the user. For example, the commercial is pre
determined by the user. For example, the Alternative Content Screen 2405
comprises a commercials indicator button 2410 that indicates that the user
previously selected a commercial using the customization and synchronization
menu 1512 in FIGURE 15.
[00305] The Commercials button 1565 comprised in the customization and
synchronization menu 1512 in FIGURE 15 allowed for selection of the
commercial. The Menu also allowed for the showing of pre-determined
commercials. The list of commercials may be targeted based on the user
account preferences or customization choices.
[00306] The commercial may be pre-determined by the client device based on
one or more of a selection algorithm, a profile of the user, demographic
information regarding one or more of groups to which the user belongs and
groups to which the user does not belong, and another selection criterion.
Alternatively, or additionally, the user may now select one or more pre
determined commercials. The user may now select the one or more pre
determined commercials by selecting one or more of a specific commercial of
interest, a commercial category of interest, a commercial director of interest, a
commercial producer of interest, a commercial actor of interest, a commercial
writer of interest, and another commercial selection criterion. In this example,
two commercials are available in the menu, a bear commercial and a wart hog
commercial. A user can press the Bear button 2415 to select the bear
commercial. Alternatively, or additionally, the user can press the wart hog button
2420 to select the wart hog commercial. In this example, the user now presses
the Bear button 2415, selecting the bear commercial. Once the Bear button
2415 is pressed, the client device automatically transfers the user to a
Commercial Play screen such as the one seen in FIGURE 25.
[00307] FIGURE 25 is an exemplary screenshot of a GUI 2505 of a client
device showing an example of an Alternative Content Play Screen 2505 seen by
a user as alternative content is playing. For example, the Alternative Content
Play Screen 2505 comprises one or more of a commercial, a trailer, a
documentary, an outtake, and another form of alternative content. For example, the alternative content is pre-determined by the user. For example, the commercial is pre-determined by the user.
[00308] The commercial that is playing here is the Bear commercial chosen by
the user in the previous figure when he or she pressed the Bear button 2415 in
FIGURE 24. Preferably, though not necessarily, the Bear commercial
automatically starts playing and Alternative Content Play screen 2505 is
automatically displayed after the user pressed the Bear button 2415 in FIGURE
24.
[00309] The percentage of elapsed time played in the commercial is
graphically illustrated by an elapsed time bar 2510. The user may control the
volume using a volume control 2515. The user may play or pause the
commercial using a pause/play button 2520. The pause or play button 2520
toggles between playing or pausing the commercial, with the appropriate icon
shown to the user to indicate whether pressing the pause/play button 2520 will
pause the commercial or resume play of the commercial. If the user presses a
Done button 2525, the user is returned to the Commercials screen 2405 shown
in FIGURE 24.
[00310] FIGURES 26A and 26B are a pair of exemplary screenshots of GUI's
of a client device showing examples of survey screens displayed to a user
pursuant to initiation of a user survey. The examples include default survey
screen 2605 that is initially shown to a user and active survey screen 2610 that is
shown to a user after the survey is under way.
[00311] The Survey button 1585 comprised in the customization and
synchronization menu 1512 in FIGURE 15 allowed for selection of the
commercial. If the Survey button 1585 was pressed by the user, the Survey
button 1585 triggered the client device to provide a survey screen 2605 or 2610
offering a survey in which the user is invited to participate. Alternatively, or
additionally, if the Survey button 1585 is pressed by the user, the Survey button
1585 will trigger the client device to provide a customized survey interface that is
customized based on one or more survey preferences. Survey preferences
comprise one or more of a user's account information, a rating of the media
content, a time zone location, regional language usage, and other survey
preferences. For example, if the user selects a dog in the customization process,
a survey could be presented regarding dogs.
[00312] Survey screen 2605 is the default survey screen 2605. Survey screen
2605 comprises survey button 2615A. If the user hovers one or more of a mouse
and another navigation device over the survey button 2615A, the user is taken to
the active survey screen 2610 where the user is allowed to input survey answers.
Optionally, if the user hovers over the survey button 2615A, the option also
appears to input one or more survey preferences.
[00313] Survey screen 2610 comprises sliders 2620A-2620E. Each slider
2620A-2620E allows the user to evaluate the media based on the quality of one
of the directing, the producing, the acting, and the writing. For example, overall
slider 2620a allows the user to evaluate the media based on the overall media
quality. For example, directing slider 2620b allows the user to evaluate the media based on the quality of the directing. For example, producing slider 2620c allows the user to evaluate the media based on the quality of the producing. For example, acting slider 2620d allows the user to evaluate the media based on the quality of the acting. For example, writing slider 2620e allows the user to evaluate the media based on the quality of the writing. For example, in addition to the directing, producing, acting, and writing sliders seen in Figure 26B, one could also have a Cinematographer slider, a Costume slider, and the like.
[00314] Alternatively, or additionally, when the user hovers one or more of a
mouse and another navigation device over the overall slider 2620a, the user is
invited to individually rate the overall media quality.
[00315] Alternatively, or additionally, when the user hovers one or more of a
mouse and another navigation device over the directing slider 2620b, the user is
invited to individually rate one or more of a media's co-directors.
[00316] Alternatively, or additionally, when the user hovers one or more of a
mouse and another navigation device over the producing slider 2620c, the user
is invited to individually rate one or more of a media's co-producers.
[00317] Alternatively, or additionally, when the user hovers one or more of a
mouse and another navigation device over the acting slider 2620d, the user is
invited to individually rate one or more of a media's actors.
[00318] Alternatively, or additionally, when the user hovers one or more of a
mouse and another navigation device over the writing slider 2620e, the user is
invited to individually rate one or more of a media's writers.
[00319] Variations are almost unlimited, as will be evident to those of skill in
the art. For example, the active survey screen 2610 could further comprise
sliders allowing the user to provide input on one or more of the media's pacing,
excitement, fight quality, emotional effect, thematic closeness to its trailer, and so
on.
[00320] When the user has finished answering the survey, the user clicks a
Send button 2625.
[00321] FIGURE 27 is an exemplary screenshot of a GUI 2705 of a client
device showing an example of a Storefront Screen 2705 seen by a user visiting
the store. The Storefront Screen 2705 comprises a store indicator button 2710
that indicates that the user previously selected the store using the customization
and synchronization menu 1512 in FIGURE 15.
[00322] The Store button 1587 comprised in the customization and
synchronization menu 1512 in FIGURE 15 allowed for selection of the store. If
the Store button 1587 was pressed by the user, the Store button 1587 triggered
the client device to provide a storefront screen 2705 displaying store information
about a store.
[00323] Merchandise list 2712 comprises merchandise buttons 2720a-2720f.
Merchandise buttons 2720a-2720f offer the user the opportunity to purchase
different merchandise. In this particular example, the user is offered the
opportunity to purchase a first toy using first toy button 2720a. In this particular
example, the user is offered the opportunity to purchase a customized motion
picture using second Custom Motion picture button 2720b. In this particular example, the user is offered the opportunity to purchase a second toy named
"Jessie" using second toy button 2720c. In this particular example, the user is
offered the opportunity to purchase a first watch using first watch button 2720d.
In this particular example, the user is offered the opportunity to purchase a third
toy using third toy button 2720e. In this particular example, the user is offered
the opportunity to purchase a second watch using second watch button 2720f.
[00324] For example, the store may sell one or more of compact discs (CD's),
DVD's, downloads, views, and other formats of on-sale media. The on-sale
media may comprise the user's personally customized tracks.
[00325] The on-sale media may comprise one or more of the media currently
being viewed, DVD's of other media directed by one or more of the same
directors who directed the media being viewed, DVD's of other media produced
by one of the same producers who produced in the media being viewed, DVD's
of other media with one or more of the same actors acting in the media being
viewed, DVD's of other media with one or more of the same writers who wrote
the media being viewed, and the like. For example, the store may sell a stuffed
animal depicting character that appears in the media being viewed. For
example, the store may sell one or more of an electronic book (e-book), a paper
book, and an audio book about the making of the media being viewed. For
example, the store may sell one or more of an electronic book (e-book), a paper
book, and an audio book telling the story told by the media being viewed.
[00326] For example, the user selects the second Custom Motion picture
button 2720b from the merchandise list 2712. The user is then transferred to
Custom Motion picture screen 2805 in FIGURE 28A. As a second example, the
user selects the second watch button 2720f. The user is then sent to Item
Purchase Screen 2905 in FIGURE 29.
[00327] FIGURES 28A and 28B are a pair of exemplary screenshots of GUI's
of a client device showing examples of Custom Motion Picture Purchase Screens
displayed to a user pursuant to initiation of a purchase of a Custom Motion
Picture. For example, a purchase may comprise one or more of an ownership
transfer in exchange for payment, an ownership transfer in exchange for
consideration other than payment, a rental, a pay-per-view, and another type of
purchase.
[00328] The examples include default Custom Motion Picture screen 2805 that
is initially shown to a user and active Custom Motion Picture screen 2810 that is
shown to a user after the Custom Motion Picture is under way. The default
Custom Motion picture Screen 2805 comprises a Custom Motion Picture
indicator button 2815 that indicates that the user previously selected the Custom
Motion picture using one of more of the first Custom Motion Picture button 1588
in FIGURE 15 and the second Custom Motion Picture button 2715B in FIGURE
27.
[00329] Default Custom Motion Picture screen 2805 displays a Custom Motion
Picture Purchase opportunity using default settings. In this example, the Default
Girl's Name 2820 is Lorena, the name of the motion picture's leading female
character.
[00330] Active Custom Motion picture screen 2810 displays a Custom Motion
Picture Purchase opportunity using customized settings. For example,
customized settings comprise the user's first name, which in this example is
Amanda. Accordingly, the Customized Girl's Name 2825 is Diane. Variations
would include customized settings comprising the first name of one or more of a
user's parent, child, spouse, partner, friend, pet, and stuffed animal.
[00331] The user can gather more information about the Custom Motion
picture by pressing one or more of first Custom Motion Picture information button
2830 and second Custom Motion Picture information button 2835. If the user
presses the first Custom Motion Picture information button 2830, the displayed
information may comprise Custom Motion Picture Price 2837. If the user decides
to purchase the Custom Motion Picture, he or she can click on the Buy Now
button 2840. If the user presses the "Buy Now" button 2840, this prompts a
popup indicating that the user needs to click on the Cart 2850 in order to add the
item to their cart.
[00332] Once the user clicks the Cart 2840, the user is automatically taken to
the Purchase Summary Screen 3005 shown below in FIGURE 30. If a user
wanted to access the Cart 2840 without purchasing the item, the user may do so
by clicking on the Cart tab 2850 on the bottom of the active Custom Motion
picture screen 2810. Optionally, the Cart tab 2850 also indicates how many
items to be purchased are already in the user's Cart 2840.
[00333] FIGURE 29 is an exemplary screenshot of a GUI 2905 of a client
device showing an example of an Item Purchase Screen 2905 seen by a user considering making a purchase of an item. The Item Purchase Screen 2905 comprises an Item Details field 2910 comprising information regarding the Item.
For example, the Item Details field 2910 comprises one or more of a photograph
of the Item, a specification regarding the item, an Item price, an Item condition,
Item shipping information, Item manufacturer information, Item customer ratings,
and an other Item detail. The photograph may be displayed in one or more of a
static form, a scrolling form, and another photographic form. Optionally, the Item
Details field comprises one or more of media and text. Optionally, other items
related to the selected item can also be displayed. In this example, the
photograph of the watch is displayed in static form. In this example, the Item
Details field 2910 comprises a photograph of the watch that is being considered
for purchase, an indication of its price, and a "Buy Now" button 2835. If the user
presses the "Buy Now" button 2915, this prompts a popup indicating that the user
needs to click on the Cart 2920 in order to add the item to their Cart 2920. If the
user adds the item to their Cart 2920, the user is taken to Purchase Summary
screen 3005 in FIGURE 30.
[00334] FIGURE 30 is an exemplary screenshot of a GUI 3005 of a client
device showing an example of a Purchase Summary Screen 3005 seen by a
user making a purchase of the Custom Motion Picture depicted in FIGURE 28
and of the watch depicted in FIGURE 29. The Purchase Summary screen 3005
comprises Cart button 3010 and Purchase List 3012. If the user hovers one or
more of a mouse and another navigation device over the Cart button 3010, the
user is taken to the Purchase List 3012. Additionally, or alternatively, the user is automatically taken to the Purchase List 3012 without needing to hover the one or more of a mouse and another navigation device over the Cart button 3010.
The Purchase List 3012 comprises a Custom Motion picture purchase listing
3015 and a Watch purchase listing 3017.
[00335] The Purchase Summary Screen 3005 further comprises Minus/Plus
buttons 3020, Pricing Information 3025, the "Buy Now" button 3030, a Cart
Deletion button 3035, and a Storefront Return button 3040. If the user presses
the "Buy Now" button 2835, this prompts a popup indicating that the user needs
to click on the Cart 2840 in order to add the item to their cart.
[00336] The Cart Deletion button 3035, when pressed by the user, deletes the
user's Cart 2840. The Storefront Return button 3045, when pressed by the user,
returns the user to the Storefront screen 2505 in FIGURE 25. Pricing Information
3025 comprises a Subtotal 3050 giving the total item price of the Purchase List
3012, a Shipping price 3055, Estimated Tax 3060, and a Total Price 3065.
Pricing Information 3025 may be automatically calculated. One or more of a
registered street address for the user and a purchase location may be used to
confirm the pricing. In this example, the Total Price 3065 equals the sum of the
Subtotal 3050, the Shipping price 3055, and the Estimated Tax 3060.
[00337] A user has the opportunity to increase or decrease the number of an
items purchased by tapping on the Minus/Plus buttons 3020, which automatically
tally the quantity of an item desired, and automatically adjust the Pricing
Information 3025.
[00338] FIGURES 31A and 31B are a pair of exemplary screenshots of GUI's
of a client device showing examples of users using the social network. The
examples include first social network screen 3105 comprising first social network
popup box 3107 and second social network screen 3110 comprising second
social network popup box 3112. First social network screen 3105 and second
social network screen 3110 can be operating simultaneously and/or sequentially.
[00339] Advantages of the invention include the ability to individually track a
potentially unlimited number of audience members using the unique identifiers
comprised in their individual devices. Additionally, media player time is divided
into different buffers to improve precision. For example, the minutes and
seconds go into different buffers, and then into different packets.
[00340] While the above representative embodiments have been described
with certain components in exemplary configurations, it will be understood by one
of ordinary skill in the art that other representative embodiments can be
implemented using one or more of different configurations and different
components. For example, it will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art
that the order of certain fabrication steps and certain components can be altered
without substantially impairing the functioning of the invention.
[00341] For example, one or more of audio, video, and another entertainment
format can be playing on the client-side. For example, one of more of audio,
video, and another entertainment format can be played on the server-side.
[00342] For example, while this application for simplicity at times verifies that
the media to be customized is a motion picture, embodiments of the invention are also applicable to silent pictures, video recordings of concerts, audio recordings of concerts, video recordings of interviews, audio recordings of interviews, and countless other media. For example, instead of being implemented by the client side customization application 145 and the server-side master application 185, the steps of the flowchart depicted in Figure 6 may be implemented by one or more of the server-side computing device 170 and the client device 120. For example, instead of being primarily implemented by the client-side customization application 145, the server-side master application 185, and the server-side customization application 190, the steps of the flowchart depicted in Figures 9 and 10 may be implemented by one or more of the server-side computing device
170 and the client device 120.
[00343] For example, instead of being implemented by the client-side
customization application 145, the server-side master application 185, the server
side customization application 190, and the server-side streaming application
195, the steps of the flowchart depicted in Figure 5 may be implemented by one
or more of the server-side computing device 170 and the client device 120. For
example, instead of being primarily implemented by the server-side master
application 185, the steps of the flowchart depicted in Figures 11 and 12 may be
implemented by one or more of the server-side computing device 170 and the
client device 120.
[00344] For example, instead of being located in the client-side memory 130,
one or more of the client-side electronic commerce application 140, the client
side customization application 145, the client-side audience measurement application 150, a client-side social networking application 155, and the client side additional content application 160 may be located in a section of the client device 120 other than the client-side memory 130.
[00345] For example, instead of being located in the server-side memory 180,
one or more of the server-side master application 185, the server-side
customization application 190, and the server-side streaming application 195
may be located in one or more of the server-side data storage 165 and a section
of the server-side computing device 170 other than the server-side memory 180.
For example, instead of being a free-standing component of the server-side
networked environment 110, the server-side memory 180 may be located in the
server-side computing device 170.
[00346] For example, the client-side data storage 135 may be separate from
the client device 120 rather than being comprised in the client device 120. For
example, the server-side data storage 165 may be comprised in the server-side
computing device 170 rather than being separate from the server-side computing
device 170. For example, in addition to the Director, Producer, Actor, and Writer
buttons seen in Figure 15, one could also have a Cinematographer button, a
Costume Designer button, and the like.
[00347] For example, instead of being the client device 120 and the client-side
playback device 135 being two separate entities, the client-side playback device
135 may be comprised in the client device 120. For example, instead of the
client-side customization application 145 and the client-side synchronization
application 147 being two separate entities, the client-side synchronization application 147 may be comprised in the client-side customization application
145. For example, instead of the client-side customization application 145 and
the client-side synchronization application 147 being two separate entities, the
client-side customization application 145 may be comprised in the client-side
synchronization application 147. The representative embodiments and disclosed
subject matter, which have been described in detail herein, have been presented
by way of example and illustration and not by way of limitation. It will be
understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made in the
form and details of the described embodiments resulting in equivalent
embodiments that remain within the scope of the invention. It is intended,
therefore, that the subject matter in the above description shall be interpreted as
illustrative and shall not be interpreted in a limiting sense.

Claims (25)

1. A method for real-time customization and synchronization of stock media content, comprising: receiving, by each of a plurality of client devices, each of the plurality of client devices controlled by a respective user, stock media content selected by the respective user to be customized and played on the client device in coordination with server-side playback of the stock media content by a server-side computing device; obtaining, by each of the client devices, customization preferences of the respective user; customizing the stock media content, by each of the client devices, using the customization preferences, so as to create respective customized media content; creating, by each of the client devices, a client-side message or packet comprising one or more of a client-side unique identifier and a client-side start host time (CSHT); sending, by each of the client devices, the client-side message or packet to the server side computing device; receiving and processing a server-side message or packet comprising one or more of a server-side unique identifier, the CSHT, a server-side start host time (SSHT), a server-side end host time (SEHT), and a server-side running media play time (SRMPT) and synchronizing in real-time, by each of the client devices, using one or more of the server-side unique identifier, the CSHT, the SSHT, the SEHT, and the SRMPT, client-side playback of the respective customized media content with server-side playback of the stock media content; and playing back, by each of the client devices, the synchronized respective customized media content in synchronization with the playback of the stock media content by the server device, wherein the playback of the stock media content by the server device is via a screen separate from the client devices; wherein the stock media content comprises a stock video content and the respective customized media content of each of the client devices comprises a modified audio track corresponding to the stock video content.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of communicating comprises transmitting a client-side message or packet, by each of the client devices, over the network, to the server side computing device.
3. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein the step of obtaining comprises receiving customization preference selections from the respective user of each of the client devices.
4. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein the step of obtaining comprises generating customization preferences for the respective user of each of the client devices using user characteristics comprised in one or more of client-side data storage and client-side memory.
5. The method of any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising a further step, performed after the synchronizing step, of: relaying to the respective user, by each of the client devices, one or more offers to purchase customized goods prepared by the server-side computing device using the respective user's customization preferences.
6. The method of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the respective customized media content of each of the client devices further comprises a modified visual component played back via a screen of the respective client device.
7. A method for customizing media content pursuant to a method for real-time customization and synchronization of stock media content, comprising: receiving and processing, by a server-side computing device, from each of a plurality of client devices controlled by a respective user, a client-side message or packet from the client device comprising one or more of a client-side unique identifier, and a client-side start host time (CSHT); creating, by the server-side computing device, a server-side message or packet comprising one or more of a server-side unique identifier comprising a copy of the client-side unique identifier, the CSHT, a server-side start host time (SSHT), a server-side end host time (SEHT), and a server-side running media play time (SRMPT); transmitting the server-side message or packet to each of the client devices, by the server-side computing device, to be used by each of the client devices along with previously received stock media content selected to be customized, and customized media content previously created using customization preferences obtained from the respective user, to synchronize in real-time, using the CSHT, client-side playback of the respective customized media content with server-side playback of the stock media content; and playing back, by the server-side computing device, the synchronized stock media content via a screen separate from the client devices, in synchronization with the playback by each of the client devices of the respective customized media content; wherein the stock media content comprises a stock video content played via a screen and the respective customized media content of each of the client devices comprises a modified audio track corresponding to the stock video content.
8. The method of claim 7, wherein the respective customized media content of each of the client devices further comprises a modified visual component played back via a screen of the respective client device.
9. A method for customizing media content pursuant to a method for real-time customization and synchronization of stock media content, comprising: receiving, over a network from each of a plurality of client devices controlled by a respective user, by a server-side computing device, a message or packet comprising stock media content received from the respective user, the message or packet further comprising customization preferences of the respective user obtained by the client-side customization application, to create a respective customized media content to be played by a respective client-side playback device in coordination with server-side playback of the stock media content by a server-side playback device; customizing the stock media content, by the server-side computing device, using the customization preferences of the respective user, so as to create the respective customized media content; transmitting, by the server-side computing device, to each of the client devices, the respective customized media content so that each of the client devices may synchronize with its playback of the respective customized media content a playback of the stock media content by the server-side computing device; receiving, by the server-side computing device, from each of the client devices, a client-side message or packet comprising one or more of a client-side unique identifier and a client-side start host time (CSHT); sending to each of the client devices, by the server-side computing device, a server side message or packet comprising one or more of a server-side unique identifier, the CSHT, a server-side start host time (SSHT), a server-side end host time (SEHT), and a server-side running media play time (SRMPT); and initiating, by the server-side computing device, server-side playback of the stock media content on a screen separate from the client devices and initiating, by the server-side computing device, via a play command the server-side computing device sends to each of the client devices, client-side playback of the respective customized media content that is synchronized using one or more of the client-side unique identifier, the CSHT, the SSHT, the SEHT, and the SRMPT; wherein the stock media content comprises a stock video content and the respective customized media content of each of the client devices comprises a modified audio track corresponding to the stock video content.
10. The method of claim 9, wherein the step of transmitting comprises downloading the customized media content by the server-side computing to each of the client devices.
11. The method of claim 9, wherein the step of transmitting comprises streaming segments of the customized media content by the server-side computing device to each of the client devices.
12. The method of any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the step of transmitting comprises transmitting a server-side message or packet, by the server-side computing device, to each of the client devices.
13. The method of any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein the step of receiving comprises receiving user customization preference selections from each of the client devices, by the server-side computing device.
14. The method of any one of claims 9 to 13, wherein the step of receiving comprises receiving, from each of the client devices, by the server-side computing device, a client-side message or packet.
15. The method of any one of claims 9 to 14, wherein the step of receiving comprises receiving, from each of the client devices, by the server-side computing device, a client-side message or packet comprising respective user customization preference selections.
16. The method of any one of claims 9 to 14, wherein the step of receiving comprises generating, by the server-side computing device, customization preferences for the respective user using user characteristics comprised in one or more of server-side data storage and server-side memory.
17. The method of any one of claims 9 to 16, comprising a further step, performed after the initiating step, of:
preparing, by the server-side computing device, one or more offers to the respective user to purchase customized goods to be created by the server-side computing device using the respective user's customization preferences.
18. The method of claim 17, further comprising further steps, performed after the preparing step, of:
I I I
processing an offer accepted by the respective user to purchase the customized goods prepared by the server-side computing device using the respective user's customization preferences; and creating, by the server-side computing device, the purchased customized goods.
19. The method of claim 17, wherein the customized goods comprise one or more of customized physical goods, customized services, and customized media content.
20. The method of any one of claims 17 to 19, wherein the customized goods comprise one or more of a user-specified name, a user-specified message, and another form of customization specified by the respective user.
21. The method of any one of claims 9 to 20, wherein the respective customized media content of each of the client devices further comprises a modified visual component played back via a screen of the respective client device.
22. A method for receiving and processing a server-side message or packet and synchronizing one or more clocks comprised in each of a plurality of client device, under a respective user's control with one or more server-side clocks pursuant to a method for real-time customization and synchronization of stock media content, comprising: receiving, by each of the client devices, a server-side message or packet from the server-side master application, the server-side message or packet comprising one or more of a unique identifier, a client-side start host time (CSHT), a server-side start host time (SSHT), a server-side end host time (SEHT), and a server-side running media play time (SRMPT); reading, by each of the client devices, the accepted server-side message or packet into one or more client-side buffers; recording, by each of the client devices, a client end host time (CEHT); evaluating and verifying, by each of the client devices, integrity of the server-side message or packet by comparing the CEHT and the SEHT calculating a half-round-trip time (HRT), by each of the client devices, using one or more of the CEHT, CSHT, SEHT, and SSHT; reading, by each of the client devices, a value of the SRMPT; calculating, by each of the client devices, using one or more of CEHT, CSHT, SEHT, SSHT, SRMPT, and HRT, a respective playback offset time TPO; computing, by each of the client devices, using one or more of the respective TPO and the SRMPT, respective a client-side running media play time (CRMPT); and
I I
synchronizing, by each of the client devices, using one or more of the CRMPT and the respective TPO, a respective client-side playback of respective customized media content to server-side playback of stock media content, wherein the server-side playback of the stock media content is via a screen separate from the client devices; wherein the stock media content comprises a stock video component and the respective customized media content of each of the client devices comprises a modified audio track corresponding to the stock video content.
23. A method for customizing stock media content pursuant to a method for real-time customization and synchronization of stock media content, so as to create customized media content, comprising: receiving, by a server-side computing device, from each of a plurality of client devices controlled by a respective user, a client-side message or packet with pre-determined media content; creating, by the server-side computing device, a respective customized media content; adding, by the server-side computing device, to the respective customized media content, using a pre-defined data structure, new media content comprising one or more of respective user-selected new media content and respective non-user-selected new media content; computing, by the server-side computing device, a total media frames count of the respective customized media content; computing, by the server-side computing device, a total percentage of the then written respective customized media content based on the total media frames count; and writing, by the server-side computing device, the respective new media content into the respective customized media content.
24. A method for constructing a plurality of respective media content files comprising one or more of a respective user's selected media content and media content that was not selected by the respective user, pursuant to a method for real-time customization and synchronization of stock media content, comprising: launching, by a respective client device under the control of a respective user, a respective client-side media player; selecting and playing, by the respective client device, a respective pre-determined media content; creating, by the respective client device, a respective customized media content;
I I
adding, by the respective client device, a respective new media content to the respective customized media content; computing, by the respective client device, a total media frames count of the respective customized media content; computing, by the respective client device, a total percentage of the then-written respective customized media content based on the total media frames count; and writing, by the respective client device, the respective new media content into the respective customized media content.
25. A system for real-time customization and synchronization of stock media content, comprising: a plurality of client devices, each of the plurality of client devices programmed to: receive stock media content selected by a respective user to be customized and played on the client device in coordination with a server-side playback of the stock media content by a server-side computing device; obtain customization preferences of the respective user; customize the stock media content using the customization preferences, so as to create respective customized media content; create a client-side message or packet comprising one or more of a client-side unique identifier and a client-side start host time (CSHT); send the client-side message or packet to the server-side computing device; receive and process a server-side message or packet comprising one or more of a server-side unique identifier, the CSHT, a server-side start host time (SSHT), a server-side end host time (SEHT), and a server-side running media play time (SRMPT) and synchronize in real time, using one or more of the server-side unique identifier, the CSHT, the SSHT, the SEHT, and the SRMPT, client-side playback of the respective customized media content with the server-side playback of the stock media content; and play back the synchronized respective customized media content in synchronization with the playback of the stock media content by the server device, wherein the playback of the stock media content by the server device is via a screen separate from the client device; wherein the stock media content comprises a stock video content and the respective customized media content of each of the client devices comprises a modified audio track corresponding to the stock video content.
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